30 Aug 2017

Wasting no time, Expedia taps Okerstrom as new chief executive officer

Expedia Inc. moved quickly to replace its departing chief executive officer, naming Mark Okerstrom to the position.

Okerstrom, currently chief financial Officer and executive vice president of operations, will succeed Dara Khosrowshahi as president and CEO of Expedia and will join its board.

Khosrowshahi was officially named CEO of Uber after days of will-he-or-won’t-he drama.

The Okerstrom announcement came just hours later.

Okerstrom has been Khosrowshahi’s second in command since 2011. His role was expanded in 2014 when he added the eCommerce Platform Group to his responsibilities.

He joined the company in 2006 as senior director of corporate development and strategy.

Barry Diller, chairman of Expedia, said:

“We all wish Dara Khosrowshahi the best good fortune as Uber’s CEO. I think we are both proud that he leaves behind such a talented organization. Our Leadership Team, over 12 strong, is as substantial a group of executives as I’ve ever worked with. Prior to Dara leaving, Mark Okerstrom was his principal partner in operating the company – and therefore this transition is as natural as water flowing down a snow-packed mountain.”

Khosrowshahi said:

“Mark has been by my side through every major milestone in this company for much of the last 11 years and I’m passing these reins into the best hands. He is a tireless, strategic, and steadfast leader who has pushed me to be my best self while having Expedia, Inc.’s best interests front and center at every step”