Expedia's EXPLORE successes overshadowed by CTO and SVP dismissal

Exec was onstage representing business just days earlier

Expedia Group's successful week of product launches, with newly appointed CEO Ariane Gorin at the helm for the first time, has been overcast three days later as the firm announced it has let go of its CTO Rathi Murthy.

Murthy, who was on stage representing the company to thousands of partners just days earlier, has reportedly been dismissed for a breach of company policy.

The chief technology officer, who was responsible for leading the brand's consolidation of its brands to three, along with its unified loyalty programme for travellers is "no longer employed" by the group.

It's believed that another employee has also been let go. Sreenivas Rachamadugu, who is thought to have reported into Murthy, was confirmed as having his employment terminated by the firm too.

While Rachamadagu was not believed to have been present at the annual Expedia partner event this week, Murthy took to stage to reveal the firm's latest AI-powered development - Romie, an AI travel assistant.

A statement issued today by the company said: "Rathi Murthy, chief technology officer, and Sreenivas Rachamadugu, senior vice president, core services product & engingeering, are no longer employed at Expedia Group.

"We're actively searching to fill these roles and remain confident in our technology, strategy, and employees.

"Due to confidentiality, we will not be making any further comments on the matter."

While Expedia won't elaborate on the reason behind its decision, it's likely not performance related but instead its company policy regarding behaviour, which covers a number of things by HR.