Tripadvisor CEO Steve Kaufer to Leave Post in 2022, Search Is On for Successor
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor CEO Steve Kaufer (right) spoke at Skift Global Forum in New York City in September 2021. Skift
Skift Take
Steve Kaufer had a great run at Tripadvisor, transforming a company with a small office over a pizza shop in Massachusetts 20 years ago into a global, household-name brand. The issue for Tripadvisor isn't necessarily who will replace Kaufer, but what innovations will it take to revive the company.
After a more than 20-year run as co-founder and CEO of Tripadvisor, Steve Kaufer will step down in 2022, the company announced Monday.
“Steve has been the driving force at Tripadvisor since its launch in 2000," said Tripadvisor chairman Greg Maffei in a statement. "His contributions to the consumer’s travel experience are immeasurable, and his vision has resulted in the Tripadvisor we know today.”
The company initiated a search for a successor that will involve both internal and external candidates.
“We come to the close of 2021 in a strong position — travelers are returning as we exit the pandemic, exciting new initiatives are well on their way, and we continue to leverage our strengths as we evolve Tripadvisor for the future,” Kaufer said in a statement. “Given our strong position, the talented teams driving our plans forward, and after over 20 years at Tripadvisor, I believe now is the best time to announce my plans to step away from the company next year. I have such respect and appreciation for all the teams over the years who have made this company what it is today, and remain devoted to continuing to guide the Tripadvisor family as CEO until the transition is complete.”
The announcement of Kaufer's departure takes place after a
