Phil Cappelli (Photo Credit: Avoya Travel)
TravelPulse caught up with Avoya Travel Chief Sales Officer Phil Cappelli, who will assume the role of CEO on Jan. 19 following the departure of the host agency’s current CEO, Marc Kazlauskas, who will be joining Norwegian Cruise Line as its new president.
Here’s what Cappelli had to say.
TravelPulse (TP): Will Marc Kazlauskas’ departure change Avoya Travel’s path into the future?
Phil Cappelli (PC): No. Avoya’s direction is firmly established. Marc joined during an important transition period following full Certares ownership and worked closely with our leadership team to help sharpen our focus around culture, growth and technology.
That strategy is in place and moving forward. This is a leadership transition, not a strategic shift. We built that strategy together from the ground up. Now, it’s time to execute it.
TP: What message would you like to send to Avoya advisors and agencies in your role as CEO?
PC: Avoya is stable, focused, and deeply committed to advisor success. We will continue investing in lead generation, technology, education and supplier partnerships while preserving the independence that makes our model work.
This next chapter is about execution and delivering even more value to our advisors. We built it all together from the ground up.
TP: How will your background at Signature Travel Network, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold benefit Avoya?
PC: I’ve had the opportunity to lead across a consortium, a host environment and global luxury brands. That perspective gives me a clear understanding of what advisors need to grow and how suppliers and agencies can win together. It reinforces my belief that strong partnerships and advisor-first thinking drive the best outcomes.
TP: Do you know who will replace you as CEO?
PC: Our priority right now is a smooth and thoughtful transition. I’m taking over as CEO and will look closely at what's needed in the organization — with more to come soon!
In the meantime, this transition reflects Avoya’s strength and momentum. With Certares’ support, an experienced leadership team and a clear strategy, Avoya is well-positioned to lead as the industry continues to evolve.
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