Expedia, one of the leading travel booking companies, recently announced the departure of its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Rathi Murthy, and Senior Vice President of Core Services Product & Engineering, Sreenivas Rachamadugu. In a statement provided to various publications, including TechCrunch, Expedia stated that both executives are “no longer employed at Expedia Group” due to a violation of company policy. The company did not provide specific details regarding the violation.
The unexpected departures of Murthy and Rachamadugu have raised questions within the industry. Just days before the announcement, Murthy had spoken with TechCrunch about the exciting new AI-powered features that Expedia had recently unveiled. Additionally, she had reportedly given a presentation on these features at an Expedia conference with business partners. These recent engagements with the media and industry events make their departures even more surprising.
In response to her departure, Murthy released a statement emphasizing her commitment to integrity throughout her career. She expressed pride in her work at Expedia and stated her intention to share her story at the appropriate time. It is clear that Murthy values transparency and aims to set the record straight regarding the circumstances of her departure.
Both Murthy and Rachamadugu joined Expedia in 2021, having previously worked at Verizon Media (now Yahoo), which was TechCrunch’s parent company at the time. Their expertise and experience in the technology and engineering fields made them valuable additions to Expedia’s leadership team.
These recent departures are not the only leadership changes that Expedia has undergone. In February, the company announced Ariane Gorin as its new CEO, and she officially assumed the role this week. Gorin’s appointment signals a new era for Expedia as it navigates the ever-changing landscape of the travel industry.
The departure of key executives like Murthy and Rachamadugu raises questions about the future direction of Expedia’s technology and innovation. However, the company remains confident in its technology, strategy, and employees, as stated in their official statement. Expedia is actively searching for replacements for these crucial roles to ensure the continuity of its technological advancements.
In conclusion, Expedia’s recent announcement regarding the departures of CTO Rathi Murthy and SVP Sreenivas Rachamadugu has sent shockwaves through the industry. The circumstances surrounding their departures remain undisclosed, leaving room for speculation. Nevertheless, Expedia is committed to maintaining its technological edge and is actively seeking new leaders to guide its future endeavors. As the company undergoes leadership changes, all eyes are on Expedia to see how it adapts and continues to innovate in an increasingly competitive travel market.
