Brian Chesky

Brian Chesky is a prominent American businessman, industrial designer, and the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, a leading online marketplace for lodging and travel experiences. Born on August 29, 1981, in Niskayuna, New York, Chesky graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design in 2004. His upbringing in a family of social workers influenced his values around community and connection, which are central to Airbnb's mission.134

Career at Airbnb

Chesky co-founded Airbnb in 2008 alongside Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk. The idea originated when Chesky and Gebbia rented out air mattresses in their apartment to attendees of a design conference due to a shortage of hotel rooms. This innovative approach laid the foundation for what would become Airbnb, which has since grown to facilitate over 4 million hosts welcoming more than 1.5 billion guests across more than 220 countries.123

As CEO, Chesky has been instrumental in shaping the company's vision and strategy. He emphasizes a design-driven culture that fosters trust among users, allowing strangers to connect through shared experiences.12 Under his leadership, Airbnb went public in December 2020, marking a significant milestone for the company.3

Philanthropy and Recognition

Chesky is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He is a signatory of the Giving Pledge, committing to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes. He has made substantial contributions during crises, including a $10 million donation to support frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and a $100 million pledge to the Obama Foundation for scholarships aimed at public service careers.34

His leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people and receiving recognition from Forbes as one of America's richest entrepreneurs under 40.35

Personal Life

Chesky resides in San Francisco and continues to be an active host on Airbnb, embodying the community-oriented spirit of the platform he helped create. He enjoys sketching and has interests in bonsai gardening, reflecting his creative background.13