Airbnb Appoints Pepijn Rijvers Chief Business Officer
Airbnb has named Pepijn Rijvers, previously an executive at Booking.com and Tripadvisor Group, as its new Chief Business Officer. This appointment demonstrates Airbnb's focus on expanding its hotel offerings and broader property portfolio.
New Leadership for Strategic Growth
Airbnb announced Pepijn Rijvers’ appointment as Chief Business Officer on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. Mr Rijvers previously held senior leadership positions at Tripadvisor Group and Booking.com. In his new capacity, he will oversee Airbnb’s homes, hotels, global markets, and enterprise operations divisions.
This move aligns with Airbnb’s stated objective to scale its hotel strategy. Mr Rijvers succeeds Dave Stephenson, who joined the platform eight years ago. Mr Stephenson was instrumental in establishing hotels as a business function within Airbnb, according to co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky.
Mr Stephenson also served as the company’s inaugural Chief Business Officer and Head of Employee Experience, and previously as Chief Financial Officer. Mr Chesky noted Mr Stephenson’s steady leadership through challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Airbnb’s 2020 initial public offering.
Shifting Focus in the Travel Market
Mr Rijvers spent 13 years at Booking.com before his tenure at Tripadvisor. This background provides him with a clear perspective on Airbnb’s distinct market approach, Mr Chesky explained. He described Booking.com as an “intent platform” where users complete transactions for known destinations. Conversely, Airbnb aims to assist travellers earlier in their planning process.
The platform seeks to help people discover where to go, where to stay, and what activities to pursue upon arrival. Mr Rijvers believes Airbnb can become a highly localised brand. This involves helping users uncover the unique characteristics of a place. This strategy aims to differentiate Airbnb from traditional booking sites by fostering deeper connections with destinations.
Broader Executive Changes and Hotel Expansion
The appointment of Mr Rijvers forms part of several recent leadership adjustments at Airbnb. Fallon O’Connor has been named Head of Communications and People. Additionally, the performance and rewards and workplace operations teams will now report to Ellie Mertz, Airbnb’s current Chief Financial Officer.
Earlier this year, Airbnb appointed Ahmad Al-Dahle as its new Chief Technology Officer. Mr Al-Dahle previously led generative artificial intelligence efforts at Meta. Gus Fuldner was also named Global Head of Operations. These leadership changes coincide with Airbnb’s continued expansion into the hotel sector.
Last month, the company signed an agreement with Lark Hotels, a boutique hotel management and development company. This partnership adds over 75 Lark properties to the Airbnb platform.
Implications for Travellers and Industry
The Lark Hotels agreement reinforces Airbnb’s strategy to incorporate distinctive properties. Lou Zameryka, Airbnb’s Head of Hotel Enterprise and Connectivity Partnerships, stated this responds to traveller demand. Consumers increasingly seek unique character and a sense of place from boutique and independent hotels.
This strategic direction, bolstered by Mr Rijvers’ appointment, suggests Airbnb will further integrate diverse lodging options. For travellers, this could mean an expanded selection of non-traditional hotel stays. The move intensifies competition within the hospitality sector, particularly for established hotel chains and smaller independent properties.
Industry players will observe how Airbnb leverages its new leadership and partnerships to capture a larger share of the hotel market.
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