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Tripadvisor CEO to step down

Insight Comment
It’s the end of an era at Tripadvisor as one of online travel’s mainstays prepares to bow out. Will the company go for an internal candidate or cast the net wider and bring in an outsider?

Tripadvisor co-founder and CEO Steve Kaufer is to leave the company in 2022.

Kaufer launched the business in 2000 alongside Langley Steinert, and helped turn it one of the giants of the online travel age.

The company's board has already started an open search for Kaufer's successor.

What They Said

Steve Kaufer, CEO: "We come to the close of 2021 in a strong position—travelers are returning as we exit the pandemic, exciting new initiatives are well on their way, and we continue to leverage our strengths as we evolve Tripadvisor for the future.

“Given our strong position, the talented teams driving our plans forward, and after over 20 years at Tripadvisor, I believe now is the best time to announce my plans to step away from the company next year.  I have such respect and appreciation for all the teams over the years who have made this company what it is today, and remain devoted to continuing to guide the Tripadvisor family as CEO until the transition is complete."  

Greg Maffei, chairman: "Steve has been the driving force at Tripadvisor since its launch in 2000. His contributions to the consumer's travel experience are immeasurable, and his vision has resulted in the Tripadvisor we know today.

“We are fortunate to already have excellent internal candidates," added Maffei, "and we will complement this with an external search to ensure we get the best leader for Tripadvisor.  We look forward to Steve's continued guidance at the helm as we transition to Tripadvisor's next exciting chapter."