US: Airbnb has named former Generative AI lead at Meta as its CTO while expanding its hotel leadership team with two senior appointments.
Ahmad Al-Dahle has joined Airbnb as chief technology officer.
He joins from Meta where Al-Dahle founded the company’s Generative AI group. Prior to this, he spent 16 years at Apple where he led its autonomous systems and algorithm development group.
Al-Dahle said: “I lived in a lot of places and travelled widely when I was young. It shaped how I think, how I connect, how I see what’s possible. Now I’m watching my twin daughters experience the world for the first time, and I’m reminded how much that matters. Not screens, but the real world.
“Airbnb is one of the few companies that operates at the intersection of technology and the physical world, at global scale. That’s where I want to be… The chance to build together was something I couldn’t pass up,” he added.
Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, said: “We have a rare opportunity, and responsibility, to shape how people travel, live, and interact with AI in a way that strengthens human connection and draws people into the physical world, not away from it. This isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s a human one. And it requires leadership that understands both the power of technology and how to responsibly use it.”
Chesky continued: “That’s why Ahmad’s decision to join Airbnb matters. He connects big ideas with technical depth, highly values design, and believes engineering should be a true strategic partner in everything we do. More importantly, he shares our belief that technology should serve people – not the other way around – and that its highest purpose is to bring us closer together.”
Jesse Stein has stepped into the role of head of hotels at Airbnb. He first joined the company in 2020 as global head of real estate, and will continue to lead this team alongside his new responsibilities.
Key areas of focus for Stein now include building partnerships with hoteliers, creating a hotels team at Airbnb, and iterating how hotels show up on Airbnb.
Stein said: “Expanding and optimising the hotel experience on Airbnb is a key growth lever, and one I’m especially excited to help lead. Hotels have been a pivotal part of my career, and I believe there’s a meaningful opportunity to bring the best of boutique and independent hospitality to a global audience.”
Lou Zameryka has joined Airbnb as global head of hotel enterprise and connectivity partnerships.
He is the co-founder of Ventures Hospitality which created The Untold Collection, and is the co-founder of Alively, a healthy habit change tool. Charles Snyder and Andrew McConnell will take each business forward respectively.
Zameryka said: “I’m here to help lead [Airbnb’s] push into hotel distribution – contributing my experience and energy towards building a platform where travellers can book the world’s best selection of soulful, welcoming, and memorable hospitality stays across hotels, lodges, inns, resorts and more.”
Highlights:
- Airbnb appoints Ahmad Al-Dahle, former Meta Generative AI lead, as chief technology officer
- Ahmad Al-Dahle brings experience from Meta and Apple, spanning Generative AI and autonomous systems
- Airbnb expands hotel leadership as Jesse Stein becomes global head of hotels
- Stein to focus on hotel partnerships, team development and hotel visibility on Airbnb
- Lou Zameryka joins as global head of hotel enterprise and connectivity partnerships
