Exec Search

The best-networked travel industry executive search firm.

Skift Executive Search connects travel-related companies with top-tier talent, ensuring the right leadership is in place to drive innovation and growth. Our deep industry expertise and global network of C-suite executives and senior leaders allow us to match your company with individuals who bring both operational excellence and strategic foresight. Whether you’re scaling a disruptive travel startup or revitalizing a legacy brand, our tailored search process guarantees an efficient and confidential experience.

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Travel Verticals
We Support

Cruises

Airlines

Online Travel Agencies

Software & SaaS

Tourism Development

Attractions

Ground Transportation

Hospitality

Services
We Provide

Executive Search

We specialize in connecting travel brands with visionary leaders who have the skills and expertise to drive growth, innovation, and change. Our in-depth knowledge of the travel industry, paired with Skift’s extensive global network, allows us to conduct a meticulous, confidential search to identify the right talent to meet your unique business challenges.

Executive Leadership Coaching Programs

Our Coaching Programs are designed to develop the next generation of travel industry leaders. Through tailored coaching and mentorship, we help executives sharpen their strategic thinking, improve decision-making, and enhance their ability to lead teams in a fast-changing global environment.

Interim & Fractional Talent

In today’s dynamic travel market, companies often need experienced leadership for specific projects, transitional periods, or to fill gaps while searching for full-time executives. Our Interim & Fractional Talent services provide access to seasoned professionals who can step in quickly to lead initiatives, offer specialized expertise, or manage key functions.

About Us

Launched in early 2024, Skift Executive Search was established as a complementary business line to Skift, the world’s most connected travel industry platform.

Skift Executive Search leverages this unparalleled network to deliver the best talent to the brands we serve. We believe that executive search is more than just filling a role—it’s about a meticulous process that identifies and secures the most capable leaders for your organization. Our deep connections across global travel brands give us a strategic advantage in finding top-tier candidates.

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Case Studies

citizenM

Exec Search for SVP Sales

citizenM retained us to source an SVP of Sales, a new role for the company. This is a key hire reporting to Ernest Lee, Chief Commercial Officer.

VIP Traveler

Exec Search for CEO

VIP Traveler retained us to source a CEO to lead their growing business. This pivotal position is at the forefront of the startup’s growth, reporting directly to the co-founders.

Set Collection

Exec Search for VP of Development

The VP of Development would play a crucial role in shaping the growth trajectory of the Collection, ensuring that new additions complement the existing portfolio’s standards and values.

ASMALLWORLD

CEO

With a strong presence in the luxury lifestyle and hospitality sectors, the company sought a CEO who could drive innovation and growth at the intersection of travel technology and hospitality.

Encora

2 VPs of Sales

Encora Digital is a global leader in digital engineering services, renowned for delivering innovative solutions across various industries, including Travel, Hospitality, and Logistics.

Discover Puerto Rico

Chief Marketing Officer

This case study highlights how Discover Puerto Rico partnered with us to recruit a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) from the wider travel ecosystem to drive its next phase of growth. The successful candidate, Storm Tussey, brought deep global marketing and commercial experience from cruise, adventure travel, CPG, but no prior DMO background, enabling the organization to import fresh thinking into destination marketing.

Trusted by Travel’s
Top Leaders

“Working with Steve and his team at Skift has been a genuine pleasure. We have appreciated their collaborative approach and the time they took to truly understand the type of profile we are looking for that would best fit our company DNA. The quality of profiles presented to us, as well as the pre-qualification work, was of an excellent standard, as well as the regular updates on the search, and the candidate feedback. And most importantly, they paired us with a final candidate who we are confident will be an excellent fit for our company for many years to come!”
— Robin Stangroom (CEO) – following the successful placement of a VP of Development

“citizenM chose Skift to partner in this search because of their specialized knowledge in our industry and their network. From the first moment of contact there was a good click with Steve Browne (Director of Executive Search). Steve was responsive and asked insightful questions about our culture, ambitions and preferences. We felt comfortable with their approach and together we found a spot on match with our profile and a great addition to our team.”
— Annemieke Van Den Heuvel (Chief People Officer)

“A very customer oriented and professional service. Efficient, tailor made and very much personal. We were very satisfied.”
— Michael Manz (Chairman) – following the successful placement of a new CEO

“Assembling the right senior leadership team is one of the most important tasks at any company, requiring a thorough understanding of the talent market matched against the nuances of our business. From the start, Steve was able to quickly understand the idiosyncrasies of our culture and ways of working, then create a comprehensive mapping of potential candidates. Like any strong recruitment partner, Steve’s main value came from making our lives easier with rigorous vetting of candidates and going back to the ‘drawing board’ until we found the right match.”
— Ernest Lee (former Chief Commercial Officer) – following the successful placement of an SVP of Sales

“Having an open dialogue from the start really helped. Steve and his team were always accessible (we used WhatsApp a lot!), which ensured clear and fast feedback loops. The insights they provided into the business and the founders’ personalities really helped me tailor my interview approach. I appreciate the team flagging this role to me—without them, I wouldn’t be leading the charge for VIP Traveler today.”
— John Burke (Current CEO)

Team

Steve Browne

Director, Exec Search

With over a decade of experience in executive search in the travel industry, Steve has a wide network that covers all verticals of the travel eco-system. Steve spearheaded the launch of Skift Exec Search.

Claire Connor

Research Consultant, Exec Search

Claire has been a research consultant for the last four years, prior to which she worked in the risk department at PwC. Her recruitment experience spans across travel and financial services, where she used to recruit senior leaders for Morgan Stanley across the East Coast.

Work With Us

Get started by having a conversation with the Skift Exec Search Team.

Skift Executive Search – Executive Recruitment for Travel and Hospitality Companies