The boss of TripAdvisor tours and activities booking site Viator is to leave this week after four years.
Ben Drew took the helm of the business just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit after joining Tripadvisor as head of business development for vacation rentals in 2012 from Expedia.
Announcing his departure on LinkedIn, he said: “After four years on the voyage as president of Viator and 12 years at Tripadvisor, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave.
“I’m starting a new opportunity in a new industry – more on that soon. My last day is April 12.”
Drew added: “When I started as president in January 2020, we were on borrowed time. We just didn’t know it yet.
“Within days, Covid took our business to zero. Partners faced bankruptcy. Operators exited the tours business. An extremely turbulent future lay ahead for the whole industry.
“Through the four toughest years of my career, I was honoured to stand alongside the team at Viator.
“We didn’t just survive – we thrived. In 2023 we hit $737 million in revenue, growing at 49% YoY, and became profitable.
“Moreover, we helped millions of people discover experiences they’ll remember forever, and thousands of businesses make a living.
“This was only possible with the world-class talents of our team, the loyalty of our customers and operators, and the backing of TripAdisor. We accomplished things I’ll be proud of for the rest of my life.”
TripAdvisor chief executive Matt Goldberg said in response: “Thank you Ben for your leadership at Viator over the last four years.
“You and your talented team have an impressive track record of success, a well-honed strategy for building on Viator’s leadership position in travel’s fastest-growing category, and a strong plan in place to continue our momentum.
“Thanks to your hard work, Viator’s future continues to be bright.”