Former Vrbo Global CMO now Civitatis' new chairman

Mariano Dima has taken over the role from Sophie Bower-Straziota

Spanish-speaking tours marketplace Civitatis has announced it has named Mariano Dima as its new chairman on its Board of Directors of Civitatis.

Its main objective for the coming years is said to be its growth in Latin America and its hoped this appointment will help with this.

Dima brings over two decades of executive and board experience at well-known companies, including Visa and Vrbo, part of Expedia Group.

He has also served as an advisor, chair, and board member to several high-growth marketplaces and financial services companies. 

This news comes after the international investment fund recently announced an additional 50 million USD investment in Civitatis – as a result of the sale of secondary shares, having originally invested in 2022. 

Alberto Gutiérrez, the company's founder and CEO, will continue to lead the company. 

Gutiérrez said: “We welcome Mariano as the new Civitatis Chairman. I am thrilled and fully convinced that he is the ideal person to take Civitatis to the next level, allowing us to exploit the enormous potential of Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries as a region, and of tours and activities as a category. 

"Much of the market remains offline still but we’re changing that rapidly thanks to our technological platform that is committed to quality and constant innovation”.

Dima replaces Sophie Bower-Straziota, a Vitruvian partner who has been the chairman since June 2022. 

She will now will remain on the board of its directors.