Airbnb has appointed a new boss for the UK and beyond, as the platform plans expansion and battles further restrictions.
Lisa Marçais is the new general manager for Northern Europe and MEA, covering the UK, Ireland, the Nordics, and Middle East and Africa. She will be based in London.
A statement from the short lets platform says: “Lisa’s arrival marks a pivotal time for the company as it consolidates growth in the UK to disperse tourism to lesser known destinations, with 50% of Airbnb listings in the UK located away from hotspots.
“The company is supporting over 75,000 British jobs, generating almost £6 billion to the British economy, and 40% of Airbnb hosts in the UK say hosting helps them afford to stay in their homes.
“As Airbnb looks to the future of travel in the UK, the company is increasingly looking to support young travellers and students, recognising the role travel plays in connection, culture and community to this audience.
“As one of the most affordable ways to travel and discover unique places to stay, Airbnb is well positioned to support Gen Z and student travellers seeking shared, meaningful, real-life experiences, enabling group trips across the UK that go beyond traditional hotspots and bring people together around the moments, passions and communities that matter most to them.”
Prior to joining the Airbnb team, Marçais worked at eBay and ASOS and was responsible for scaling high-growth online businesses and leading teams across Europe and international markets.
She says: “I’ve always been a champion of Airbnb, seeing how the platform has really changed the way that we all travel, making it more accessible for travellers while strengthening local economies and communities.”
