Former Expedia head Morrison to take the helm at Hostelworld

Former Expedia head Morrison to take the helm at Hostelworld

Hostelworld CEO Feargal Mooney is to step down after 16 years with the company including a decade in charge. Expedia’s former head of retail operations Gary Morrison is to take over. Morrison previously headed Expedia’s EMEA region and has been … Continue reading

Hostelworld CEO Feargal Mooney is to step down after 16 years with the company including a decade in charge.

Expedia’s former head of retail operations Gary Morrison is to take over. Morrison previously headed Expedia’s EMEA region and has been with the online travel group for seven years.

His appointment follows “a thorough and rigorous search process”.

Mooney, who steered Hostelworld to an IPO in 2015, is to leave after the firm’s annual meeting on June 11.

Company chairman Michael Cawley said: “Feargal has been speaking with me and the board about his plans for the long term and consequently some months ago we focused our attentions on succession to facilitate an orderly transition.

“We are delighted to appoint a candidate of Gary’s calibre and experience to succeed Feargal.

“Gary’s experience of the travel industry together with his track record of growth in an online marketing business make him an ideal choice to drive the business forward and deliver on our ambitious goals.”

Mooney added: “Leading Hostelworld from start-up to PLC has been a real honour and I’ve loved every step along the way. It has been, and continues to be, a really fun and interesting business, and I’ve had the privilege of working with some enormously talented and supportive people over the years I’ve been here.

“After 16 years developing the business, ten as chief executive, I believe that a change will be good for me personally and for Hostelworld.”

Morrison said: “The Hostelworld Group has been very successful at delivering social travel experiences for almost 19 years, and I am looking forward to working with the Hostelworld team, the board, hostellers and our partners to deliver the next phase of growth.”