HBX Group's CIO and CCO step down among leadership changes

Group restructure sees team changes including new additions

HBX Group has announced major changes to its leadership team structure which sees Paula Felstead, chief information officer, and Carlos Muñoz, chief commercial officer, step down.

The news comes of the departure of the two senior leaders as the business confirms a new group structure to "better align with the demand of a rapidly evolving market, enhance agility, deepen customer-centricity, and improve delivery".

This structure comprises now of five dedicated verticals: Sourcing, Distribution, Fintech, Mobility & Experiences and Hoteltech. 

The verticals will be based on "deep domain knowledge, empowered to drive results and accountable for end-to-end delivery and customer success". 

Each vertical will be supported by dedicated functional expertise in tech & data, operations, marketing and pricing to deliver improved outcomes with focus and pace.

While Felstead is stepping down to explore new opportunities outside of the group, Munoz will continue to assist the Board as a senior advisor initially and are said to want to recommend his appointment as Director at the next AGM, in February 2026.

Daniel Nordholm, will now take up the mantle of chief information officer and oversee Product, Tech & Data in addition to continuing to lead Fintech.

David Amsellem, will join the Senior Management team as chief distribution officer, to lead Distribution of accommodation service and products, expanding his remit to include wholesale as well as retail distribution partners. 

Xabi Zabala, will continue to lead the operations function but will now become chief sourcing and operations officer, and will lead Sourcing. 

Stephanie Fougou joins the Senior Management team as general counsel, having joined HBX Group earlier this year.

The new structure will be underpinned by accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, enabling faster execution, improved scalability and profitability with overall enhanced value creation.

Nicolas Huss, chief executive officer, said: “HBX Group has strong foundations of scale, proprietary technology and data, and long-standing relationships across the travel ecosystem. 

"By adopting an organisational model structured on delivery and embedding artificial intelligence more deeply into our operations, we are strengthening our execution, creating a more customer-focused business that will be even more efficient, profitable and agile.

"I’d like to welcome Stephanie Fougou and David Amsellem to the Senior Management Team and give my personal thanks to Carlos Muñoz and Paula Felstead for their strong contribution and dedicated leadership.

"The organisational changes announced today position us to deliver sustainable growth across our ecosystem.”

FY25 Results update

The group also said that it expcts its full year 2025 financial results, due to be released on November 26, to be "within the guidance ranges" provided at its July results.

November is said to include further details on the new operating model announced today and the delivery of the Group’s strategy for growth.