Steve Hafner stands as a prominent figure in the online travel industry, serving as the co-founder and CEO of Kayak.com. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Hafner has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Kayak.com and revolutionizing the way people approach travel planning.
As CEO, Hafner is tasked with establishing the overarching vision and direction for Kayak.com, spearheading the recruitment of top-tier talent, and steering the company's overall development. His multifaceted background encompasses a deep understanding of marketing, e-commerce, and online travel, making him well-suited to lead Kayak.com to new heights of success. Prior to his tenure at Kayak, Hafner co-founded Orbitz Inc, a leading online travel agency site, in November 1999. During his tenure at Orbitz, he held various key positions, including executive vice president of consumer travel, where he played an instrumental role in driving the company's business development, advertising sales, marketing, and product marketing efforts.
Before venturing into the online travel space, Hafner honed his skills as a strategy consultant at the prestigious Boston Consulting Group. His exceptional performance at BCG earned him recognition through the Ambassador Program for BCG's Stockholm, Sweden office, as well as the esteemed Polaris Award for innovation and outstanding client work. Hafner's journey in the corporate world began at the Marketing Corporation of America, where he contributed to strategic planning, target marketing, and new product development for prominent pharmaceutical and healthcare clients. His early experiences laid a solid foundation for his subsequent ventures in the fast-paced realms of e-commerce and online travel.
Educationally, he holds a B.A. in economics from Dartmouth College, earned in 1991, and an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University, obtained in 1997. His academic achievements, coupled with his hands-on experience and strategic acumen, have positioned him as a trailblazer in the online travel industry.
Hafner's illustrious career journey underscores his remarkable leadership abilities and unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence in the online travel sector. As the driving force behind Kayak.com, Hafner continues to shape the future of travel by leveraging cutting-edge technology and unparalleled industry insights to deliver exceptional experiences for travelers worldwide.