This is from GeekWire, I have the link below:
Expedia Group cites "violation of company policy" for sudden ouster of two key tech leaders
Two of Expedia Group’s top engineering leaders have abruptly left the company following what the travel giant described as a "violation of company policy."
Geekwire: By Taylor Soper - May 18, 2024, 6:51 am
The Seattle-based company confirmed that Chief Technology Officer Rathi Murthy and Senior Vice President of Core Services Product and Engineering, Sreenivas Rachamadugu, are no longer employed at Expedia Group.
"This decision is the result of a violation of company policy," a spokesperson said in a statement to GeekWire. "We’re actively searching to fill these roles and remain confident in our technology, strategy, and employees. Due to confidentiality, we will not be making any further comments on the matter."
Murthy responds
Later on May 18, Murthy shared a statement through a spokesperson:
"Throughout my career, I’ve conducted myself with a commitment to the highest level of integrity. I am proud of my work at Expedia and have endeavored at all times to serve the best interests of the company. I look forward to sharing my story at the appropriate time and setting the record straight."
Departures follow major company event
The exits came just days after Expedia’s annual partner conference in Las Vegas, where the company announced several new tech initiatives, including an AI assistant. Murthy spoke at the conference and highlighted the announcements on LinkedIn.
Murthy joined Expedia in 2021 after serving as CTO at Verizon Media. She previously held executive roles at Gap, American Express, eBay, and Yahoo.
Rachamadugu also joined Expedia in 2021 from Verizon Media, where he spent more than 15 years in engineering leadership roles.
GeekWire has reached out to both former executives for further comment.
Leadership transition underway
The leadership shakeup coincides with the arrival of Expedia Group’s new CEO, Ariane Gorin, who officially started the role on Monday. Gorin, a longtime Expedia executive, replaced Peter Kern, a transition first announced in February.
Company outlook
Expedia Group owns a portfolio of brands including Vrbo, Orbitz, Hotwire, Trivago, Hotels.com, and its flagship Expedia.com. The company has unified the tech platform across its brands in recent years and launched a shared loyalty program, One Key, for Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.
For the first quarter of 2024, Expedia reported $2.9 billion in revenue, up 8 percent year-over-year. Despite the revenue growth, shares fell after the company disclosed delays in a major tech migration.
The company has also been restructuring its workforce. It laid off tech employees in September and suffered a system outage earlier this month.
Link: https://www.geekwire.com/2024/expedia-group-cto-and-svp-ousted-after-unspecified-violation-of-company-policy/