CEO Departure Occurs Less Than a Year Into Tenure
In a surprising turn of events, Away, the popular travel lifestyle brand, announced that CEO Stuart Haselden will be stepping down from his position effective February 2021. His departure comes after a year of significant changes within the company's C-suite, following an investigation into the company's corporate culture by The Verge in December 2019.
Haselden, who joined Away in January 2020, has been instrumental in steering the business through challenging times. His arrival coincided with the onset of the global pandemic, a period that has seen many businesses struggle. However, under Haselden's leadership, Away has shown resilience, maintaining momentum and even experiencing growth.
Co-founder Jen Rubio praised Haselden for his leadership and experience, particularly his ability to scale businesses and build teams. She expressed gratitude for his contributions and wished him well in his future endeavors.
In the wake of Haselden's departure, co-founder Steph Korey, who served as co-CEO, officially stepped down from her role in October 2020. The company has since made several strategic additions to its executive team, including a chief supply chain officer, chief financial officer, and president of international, as well as promoting roles internally. Away has also appointed a new chief marketing officer and senior vice president of product.
As Away searches for a new CEO, Rubio will serve as interim CEO. The company is looking forward to a steady leader who can capitalise on the "huge opportunity" that lies ahead, as vaccines roll out and travel becomes accepted again.
Travel, one of the categories most impacted by the global health crisis, is key to Away's ambitions. The resurgence of domestic and international travel is crucial for the brand, which aims to be a travel lifestyle brand. However, safety concerns and travel bans have kept consumers mostly at home, making the recovery of the travel industry a slow and steady process.
Stuart Haselden will continue to provide guidance to Away as a member of the Board of Directors. He remains optimistic about Away's future, believing that the second half of 2021 holds great potential for the brand.
As always, Away encourages its stakeholders to stay tuned for official company announcements or media releases for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding its leadership and future plans.
- The investigation into Away's corporate culture by The Verge in December 2019 marked a significant turning point within the company's C-suite.
- TV publication The Verge conducted an investigation into Away's corporate culture in December 2019, revealing notable changes within the company's leadership.
- Away's ambitious vision includes a strong focus on lifestyle and culture, a fit for the post-pandemic era.
- The company's business model has proven adaptable, with AI tools assisting in outreach and customer service during the pandemic.
- Away's commitment to diversity-and-inclusion is evident in the strategic additions to its executive team, emphasizing diversity and balanced representation.
- Entrepreneurship and leadership skills will be crucial as Away navigates the challenging recovery of the travel industry post-pandemic.
- As the travel industry embraces the rollout of vaccines and travel resumes, finance and business strategies will play a vital role in Away's future growth.
- Careers in marketing, product design, and international operations hold potential with Away, especially as it capitalizes on the resurgence of travel.
- Sustainability and the environment are essential components of Away's lifestyle brand, with the company committing to using recycled materials for its products and advocate for responsible business practices.
