Airbnb announces Pepijn Rijvers as Chief Business Officer

Pepijn Rijvers is joining Airbnb as Chief Business Officer, starting September 1, 2026

Leadership Transition
- Outgoing Leader: Dave Stephenson, Airbnb’s first CBO (and former CFO), is transitioning after eight years of guiding finance, global business, and employee experience. He played a key role in Airbnb’s IPO, S&P 500 inclusion, and expansion beyond homes.
- Incoming Leader: Pepijn Rijvers joins Airbnb as CBO, effective September 1, 2026. He will oversee Homes, Hotels, Global Markets, and Enterprise Operations.

Pepijn Rijvers’ Background
- Tripadvisor Group: Served as Chief Business Officer, leading consumer businesses, Experiences, and Hotels.
- Booking.com: Spent 13 years in senior roles, including Managing Director of Accommodations. He built the homes business, led global performance marketing, and helped expand into flights.
- Entrepreneurial Roots: Started his first business at 17, bringing a hands-on, detail-oriented leadership style.

Strategic Vision
- Different Path from Booking: While Booking.com is an “intent platform” (users arrive knowing their destination), Airbnb aims to inspire discovery — helping travelers decide where to go, stay, and what to do.
- Local Focus: Rijvers believes Airbnb can become “the most local brand in the world” by highlighting what makes each place special.

Other Leadership Updates
- Fallon O’Connor: Elevated to Head of Communications and People, leading Recruiting, Talent, and Belonging & Development.
- Ellie Mertz: Will oversee Performance & Rewards and Workplace Operations under Finance.

This move signals Airbnb’s intent to deepen its global expansion while staying true to its cultural and design-driven identity.