Facebook Has Quietly Named a New Head of Global Travel Strategy
Skift Take
With Google rumored to be ramping up its online travel efforts, it makes sense that Facebook is looking to develop more robust tools for travel companies to sell on its platform. The battle for mobile bookings is heating up.
Despite its role as the world's most popular social network, Facebook has yet to push deeply into online travel booking after a few false starts. But a new executive appointment, which has yet to be reported by the media, shows Facebook could soon push into online booking in a serious way.
Former online travel executive Nikhilesh Ponde has been serving as Facebook's head of global travel strategy since July, according to LinkedIn. Facebook has confirmed his hiring.
Ponde has held a variety of roles at Expedia Inc., including at online travel agencies Hotels.com, Expedia.com and Hotwire. He served as director of mobile marketing at Expedia from August 2012 to April 2014, and as senior director of mobile, social, and partner marketing for H
