Top 50 People in Travel & AI
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every corner of the travel industry—from how we plan, book, and experience trips to how companies manage operations, marketing, and personalization at scale. At this year’s Travel Trends AI Summit 2025 (October 28–29, Virtual) we’re bringing together the leaders and innovators that are shaping the future of travel with AI.
Below is our list of the Top 50 People in Travel & AI, in no particular order, drawn from our speaker lineup and additional key individuals. These executives, founders, and leaders represent startups, global brands, and investors all driving innovation.
Christina Apatow — CEO, FetchyFox
Shane O’Flaherty — Global Director, Travel & Hospitality, Microsoft
Alex Bainbridge — CEO, Autoura
Annie Pezza — CEO & Founder, Pinerary
Gilad Berenstein — Brook Bay Capital
Susan Black — Founder & CEO, Wowzitude
Ross Borden — Founder & CEO, Matador Network & GuideGeek
Brennen Bliss — CEO, Propellic
Sally Bunnell — CEO & Founder, NaviSavi
Tony Carne — Founder, Everything AI in Travel
Michael Coletta — Sr. Manager, Research & Innovation, Phocuswright
Vaughn Davis — Founder & CEO, Hyper Nimbus
Michelle Denogean — CMO, Mindtrip
Jean-Philippe Duchesneau — Co-owner, Groupe Écorécréo
Jessie Fischer — Founder & CEO, GuestOS
Ragnar Fjölnisson — CTO, Kaptio
Dan Flores — Head of Tourism, Satisfi Labs
Shie Gabbai — COO, askLAYLA
Stuart Greif — EVP & Chief Strategy, Forbes Travel Guide
Jeff Kischuk — Co-Founder & CEO, Tripian
John Lyotier — Co-Founder & CEO, TravelAI™
Frank Marini — President & CEO, Railbookers
Matthew Martinez — Co-Founder & CEO, GrupBlox
Marilyn Markham — VP AI & Automation Strategy, AMEX Global Business Travel
George Mwangi — Founder, WanderWorth
Marius Nigond — CEO, iWander
Casey Soto — Director Product Management, Global Travel Collection
Saad Saeed — Founder & CEO, Layla
Max Tremaine — CEO, Sherpa
Kevin Tsang — Managing Director, AMEX Ventures
Travis Pittman — Founder & CEO, TourRadar
Jake Peters — Fora Travel
Rob Ransom — Global Strategy & Business Development, Booking Holdings
Alex Ragin — CEO, TourSeta.com (Zoftify)
Janette Roush — SVP Innovation & Chief AI Officer, Brand USA
Matt Zito — Managing Partner, TSI
Shayna Zand — Managing Director, Host Agency Reviews
Christian Watts — CEO, Magpie Travel
Christian Wolters — President & GM Canada, Intrepid
Jared Alster — Co-founder & CSO, DUNE7
Andrew Beckmann — Travel Industry Partnerships & Business Development, Stripe
Anna Grigoryan — Managing Director, Mobility & Experiences, HBX Group
April Swales — Director of Marketing and Sales, Uniglobe Travel Center
Benjamin Manzi — Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer, Maya
Betsy Mulé — Principal, F-Prime
Brian Harniman — Vice President of Strategy, Algoworks
Brian Shultz — Chief Information Officer, Cruise Planners
Bruce Rosard — Co-Founder & CCO, Arival
Chris Gentilini — VP Advisor Success, Nicer
Cressida Sergeant — CCO, Traveltek Ltd.
Devin Kinasz — Publisher, Travelweek
Jon Pickles — Founder & CEO, Sygnifiq Ltd
Jeanelle Johnson — Managing Partner, PwC DC
Orlando Lares — VP Product & Technology, Collinson Group
Susan DeBottis — VP Adventure & Entertainment, Easol
Tahnee Perry — Founder & AI Advisor, A25
Alex De Winne - Founder & CEO, Therefore Interactive
Additional Recommendations
Ben Sann - CEO & Founder, TourOptima
Doug Hammond, Director IT, TravelOnly
Who Are We Missing?
This list is only the beginning. The pace of AI innovation in travel is extraordinary, and new leaders emerge every month. Who do you think belongs on the list of Top People in Travel & AI?
👉 Share your suggestions. Email us at info@traveltrendspodcast.com.
And don’t forget—Advance Tickets for the Travel Trends AI Summit 2025 are just $79 (regular $149) until September 31, 2025. Secure your spot today to join these leaders and more.