RateHawk names Yalago boss Astrid Kastberg as new managing director

The owner of B2B booking platform RateHawk has confirmed Astrid Kastberg as managing director of the brand.

 

Dubai-based global travel tech firm Emerging Travel Group said she will lead and expand the B2B division, which has a global network of more than 110,000 travel retail partners and 1,100 API partners. 

 

Emerging Travel Group hit a $3.7 billion gross transaction value last year, with RateHawk described as as “a major growth driver”. 

 

Kastberg will oversee the full development of business strategy, including commercial, product, marketing, and support functions, while managing a multifunctional global team.

She joins Emerging Travel Group in Dubai with experience in travel management and technology across the EMEA region. 

 

Kastberg was most recently general manager at Emirates Group global leisure accommodation wholesaler Yalago, where she oversaw the company’s international expansion and business growth strategy. 

 

She has held several other roles related to travel management and technology over the last 10 years at Juniper and Hotelbeds.

 

Emerging Travel Group chief commercial officer Ilya Kravtsov said: “This newly introduced senior role marks a significant step in RateHawk’s continued global expansion and organisational development. 

 

"Over the past few years, our business has scaled up rapidly, achieving strong market penetration across regions from Asia to North America. 

 

“This role is focused on maintaining that growth pace and consolidating the efforts of 500 commercial specialists within the B2B business unit. 

 

“Astrid is uniquely equipped to build on the momentum the team has already created and take it to the next level. She’s a leader who balances visionary thinking with hands-on execution, and I have every confidence she’ll unlock the full potential of RateHawk.”

 

Kastberg added: “I’m thrilled to join the ambitious team at Emerging Travel Group at such a pivotal moment. 

 

"Together with the talented RateHawk team, we share a strong commitment to innovation and customer value, all to create an empowering environment for travel professionals to thrive. 

 

“I look forward to leveraging my global experience to drive sustainable growth for the company and, together with the team, we will lead the future of the industry.”