Airbnb announces Ahmad Al-Dahle as Chief Technology Officer

Ahmad Al-Dahle is joining as new Chief Technology Officer. Ahmad is one of the world’s leading experts in AI.

Appointment
- Ahmad Al-Dahle has been named Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Airbnb.
- He joins at a pivotal time as Airbnb deepens its use of technology to enhance human connection in travel.

Career Journey
Apple (2005–2020):
- Worked on the iPhone’s display and multitouch systems.
- Contributed to major features across nearly a dozen devices, including the first Apple Watch.
- Founded and led Apple’s autonomous technology group, developing AI systems for self-driving cars.

Meta (2020–2025):
- Led mapping and applied AI within Reality Labs.
- Founded Meta’s Generative AI group in 2023 after ChatGPT’s launch.
- Spearheaded the creation of Llama, a family of open-source AI models downloaded over 1 billion times, with 60,000+ derivatives — a cornerstone of the open-source AI movement.
- Oversaw AI features across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Personal Notes
- Grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, where his interest in computers began with video games.
- Studied engineering at the University of Waterloo.
- Lives in the Bay Area with his wife Whitney and their twin daughters. Fun fact: they got married at an Airbnb.

Airbnb’s Perspective
- CEO Brian Chesky emphasized that Ahmad’s expertise in AI and design makes him the right leader to guide Airbnb’s technology strategy.
- Chesky highlighted Airbnb’s mission: in a world increasingly shaped by AI, the company aims to foster real human connections through travel.

This appointment signals Airbnb’s intent to blend cutting-edge AI with hospitality, ensuring technology strengthens—not replaces—human connection.