HolidayPirates Group strengthens strategic focus with appointment of new C-level leaders

HolidayPirates Group, Europe's leading online platform for holiday deals and travel inspiration, has announced the appointment of three new C-level executives to drive its ambitious growth plans.

The Berlin-based company, which adopted a flat hierarchical structure as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now expanding its leadership team by introducing a Chief People Officer (CPO), Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who will operate alongside the CEO to shorten decision-making processes, increase efficiency and optimise the company's goals for further growth.

David Armstrong, CEO and Co-Founder of the HolidayPirates Group, will continue to lead the core Market Operations function to ensure a closer connection with the regional market teams operating across Europe and North America and support their individual needs. This will enable a strong focus on growth, revenue, strategic partnerships and future-oriented initiatives.

David commented: "This reorganisation marks an important next step forward in order to be operationally up-to-date and better able to pursue our ambitious strategic goals. Our new Chief People Officer, who will play a central role in strengthening our corporate culture, is particularly noteworthy. With a clear focus on the importance of our employees and their satisfaction, we are providing a strong impetus for a positive working environment that promotes innovation and collaboration. We are convinced that a strong corporate culture is the key to long-term success and sustainable value creation in a constantly changing market environment."

Vivien Schwarz-Elbelazi, who has been with the HolidayPirates Group since July 2016, most recently as Head of People & Culture, has been appointed as Chief People Officer (CPO). She will take over the management of Human Resources, Workplace Management, IT Administration, Organisational Development and Internal Communication. She will also continue to build and shape the company culture, with a strong focus on inclusivity, well-being and professional and personal growth for employees.

Judith Eyck has been part of the Executive Team since May 2023 and was previously Head of Market for the Dutch market, VakantiePiraten, and responsible for Virtual Tour Operating (VTO) and Data Analytics. She has now taken on the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) and, in addition to VTO and Data Analytics, she is responsible for Global Operations, including Marketing, Brand, PR & Creative Studio, Product Development and E-Commerce. In the past, as Co-Founder of Vakanties.nl and CEO of Zoover, she contributed significantly to the growth and innovation of these companies.

Finally, Sönke Kisker has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the HolidayPirates Group, with responsibility for Finance and Legal & Data Protection. With over ten years of experience in similar roles at companies such as Trivago and the Pepper Group, as well as his most recent position at the YDEON Group, he brings extensive expertise and leadership skills to the company and will be instrumental in supporting its continued profitable growth.

For more information about the HolidayPirates Group, visit: https://en.holidaypirates.group/about_us

About HolidayPirates:

HolidayPirates, the UK arm of the HolidayPirates Group, is a travel deals platform with a mission to make travel accessible and affordable for everyone.

Our team of travel experts find and curate the best value-for-money deals from packages, flights and hotels, through to car hire, holiday homes, luxury stays and weekend breaks. We also work with leading travel brands to source exclusive offers that simply cannot be found anywhere else.

HolidayPirates takes the time and hassle out of finding genuine travel bargains by sharing deals directly across our website, WhatsApp, newsletters, mobile app, and on social media. 2 million travel enthusiasts visit our website every month, plus we have over 2.2 million followers on social media – the largest of any travel brand in the UK.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Berlin, the HolidayPirates Group operates in 10 countries – the UK, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the United States. Our expert editorial teams around the world inspire over 20 million consumers every month to travel, explore and holiday more for less.

Press contact

Annabelle Rennie
PR & Communications Manager UK

E-Mail: [email protected]

E-Mail: [email protected]