Direct Travel names two major technical appointments

New CDO and CPO announced

Corporate travel management firm Direct Travel has named Darryl Hoover as its new chief data officer and Sarah Kuberry Martino as chief product officer. 

The two new executive appointments to aid Direct Travel's develop the travel ecosystem via innovation, data insights, open technology solutions and "exceptional service".

Hoover will lead a team focused on unlocking data-driven insights, optimising customer travel programmes based on industry best practices, and delivering personalised travel experiences. 

His appointment is designed to help Direct Travel’s journey to leverage data across all facets of its business.

He was previously the chief technology officer for more than a decade before stepping into the new role.

As chief product officer, Kuberry Martino will lead the development of Avenir, Direct Travel's open technology stack, and drive collaboration with tech innovators across the travel industry. 

Before joining Direct Travel, Sarah served as chief product officer of Modern Health, and senior vice president of product management at health technology company Accolade. 

Prior to this, Sarah spent over 15 years in the business travel industry, including working in the product management team at Concur.

Avenir is designed to be the first open, end-to-end solution that seamlessly integrates best-in-class platforms for travel management, expense management and group travel with Direct Travel’s personalised service. 

“Darryl and Sarah embody the strategic and people-oriented leadership we need to elevate our products, technology stack, and value to our customers,” said Christal Bemont, CEO of Direct Travel. 

“With a proven track record of building strong, collaborative teams, Darryl and Sarah will be a critical component of Direct Travel’s continued success and growth. Their dynamic leadership and proven expertise in accelerating product and tech innovation is unmatched.”

Hoover said: "Direct Travel’s commitment to leveraging data as a strategic asset will set a new standard in travel analytics.

“By enhancing data quality and providing actionable insights, we can empower our customers and partners to drive smarter decision-making for their businesses. These insights will be foundational to delivering on our vision of The Perfect Trip.”

Kuberry Martino added: “It’s an exciting opportunity to join Direct Travel at such a pivotal time in the company’s growth.

“Through a powerful combination of technology, real-time data and exceptional service, we are fostering a new era in business travel that can anticipate challenges, mitigate disruptions, and enhance traveler satisfaction. These benefits are the true essence of modern business travel.”
  
The news comes after Direct Travel added Michelle Sitzman as chief people officer and Dave Breslin as vice president, customer experience, new tech stack, recently.