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Sam Shank
Experienced executive in hospitality and technology industries
Sam Shank is a notable entrepreneur and business leader in the travel industry, best known for his role as the co-founder and former CEO of HotelTonight, a mobile app that revolutionized last-minute hotel bookings. He served as the Head of the Commercial Team at Airbnb from January 2022 until November 2022, having previously held positions such as Head of Guest Experience and Head of Hotels within the company.14
Career Overview
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HotelTonight: Sam co-founded HotelTonight in 2010, which became the first app to focus on same-day hotel bookings, significantly impacting the hospitality sector. The app was acquired by Airbnb in 2019 for over $400 million, after which Shank continued to lead the brand within Airbnb.34
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Airbnb: After the acquisition, Shank transitioned into various leadership roles at Airbnb, culminating in his position as Head of the Commercial Team. He left Airbnb in November 2022, expressing a desire to take time off before pursuing new opportunities outside the travel industry.345
Education
Sam Shank holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he graduated in 2004.12
Recognition
Throughout his career, Shank has received several accolades, including being named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and recognized in the San Francisco Business Times’ 40 Under 40 list. His contributions to the travel industry and entrepreneurship have made him a prominent figure in the field.12
