Booking Holdings Inc. Announces Leadership Transition at KAYAK

In a significant shift within its corporate structure, Booking Holdings Inc., the world’s leading provider of online travel services, has officially appointed Peer Bueller as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KAYAK. This announcement, made on February 3, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for both the company and the travel industry.

Peer Bueller takes the helm at KAYAK following the tenure of co-founder and long-time CEO, Steve Hafner, who has led the company for an impressive 22 years. Hafner will transition to the role of Executive Chair of KAYAK and will also assume a new leadership position within Booking Holdings, where he will focus on advancing artificial intelligence (AI) innovation to align with the company’s long-term strategic goals.

Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, expressed his gratitude towards Hafner’s leadership, stating, "Steve pioneered the metasearch category with the launch of KAYAK and delivered industry-leading results for KAYAK for many years, since our acquisition of the brand in 2013." Fogel highlighted the importance of Hafner’s experience as the company explores new technological frontiers.

Peer Bueller's journey with KAYAK began in 2016 when he joined as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and subsequently took on the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2021. His tenure has been marked by a strong focus on expanding KAYAK's market presence, particularly through the growth of KAYAK for Business, the brand's corporate travel platform.

In his new role as CEO, Bueller stated, "As CEO of KAYAK, I will continue to focus on making KAYAK everyone's favorite travel app, while raising the bar on our user experience and turning our strategy into results. We see a lot of opportunity ahead, and we're well positioned to pursue it." His vision reflects a commitment to enhancing user experience and capitalizing on future growth opportunities.

The transition to new leadership at KAYAK signifies a continued commitment to innovation and excellence in the online travel sector. With Bueller's deep experience within various Booking Holdings brands—including Booking.com, OpenTable, and KAYAK—his appointment is expected to drive the company’s strategic objectives effectively.

Booking Holdings operates several consumer-facing brands, including Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable, serving customers in over 220 countries and territories. The company's mission remains focused on simplifying travel experiences for consumers and local partners alike.

As KAYAK embarks on this new chapter under Peer Bueller’s leadership, the travel industry watches with great interest. The strategic vision set forth by both Bueller and Hafner, particularly regarding AI innovation, positions Booking Holdings to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape. The recent leadership changes signal a robust future for KAYAK, with potential for enhanced user engagement and market expansion.

This transition not only reshapes KAYAK's leadership but also exemplifies Booking Holdings' commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to enhance travel experiences worldwide.