Former Viator and Rome2rio CEO joins Jayride

Former Viator and Rome2rio CEO joins Jayride

ASX-listed online travel marketplace Jayride has announced the appointment of Rod Cuthbert as an independent, non-executive director.

Cuthbert is the founder, former CEO and chairman of Viator, a global marketplace for tours and activities which launched in 1995 and was acquired by Tripadvisor in 2014.

He is also the former boss of Rome2rio, the door-to-door travel search engine which was acquired by Omio in December 2019.

Cuthbert is currently a non-executive director of Veltra Corporation, which is regarded as Japan’s leading online seller of tours and activities; and of Imperium Tourism Holdings, a travel group with agency, wholesale, tour, and technology assets.

Andrey Shirben, chairman of Jayride, said the company’s board was delighted with Cuthbert’s appointment.

“As part of our ongoing process of board refresh and renewal, we have been seeking an independent, non-executive director with proven experience in the global expansion of online travel technology businesses,” he said.

“Rod has proven experience building successful businesses in our industry and delivering value for shareholders through both good times and bad.

“We look forward to working closely with him as we execute on our three long-term strategic priorities of increasing traveller retention, conversion and acquisition.”

Commenting on his appointment, Cuthbert said: “I’ve known managing director Rod Bishop and the team at Jayride since their early days, and have admired their ability to stay focused on a specific sector of the travel market.

“They are attempting to solve what is a difficult problem for travellers, and they’re clearly making real progress, notwithstanding the temporary challenges presented by COVID-19.

“The fact that it’s a tough job is what makes this such an attractive opportunity. The company that solves airport transfers first will reap substantial rewards over a long period of time.

“I look forward to helping Rod and the team achieve that goal.”

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]