Meet Neal Verdick, a Senior Solutions Architect based in Chicago. After a successful tenure away exploring the worlds of FinTech and startups, Neal rejoined the Expedia Group at the end of 2025—bringing with him a wealth of experience in building global departments and a passion for technical storytelling.

Tell us about yourself and career journey

Back in 2009, I was lucky enough to join Orbitz during a particularly exciting time. We were pushing our distribution platform beyond the Orbitz.com brand and getting our inventory out to the broader marketplace. 

My background has always straddled the line between business needs and technology requirements. I’ve been able to “speak both languages,” which led me into a variety of client-facing technical roles at Orbitz. When Expedia Group acquired Orbitz in 2015, I moved onto the Partner Connect team to help connect our clients with Expedia Group’s platform. 

Eventually, it became time to move on and look for new opportunities to grow and take on broader responsibility. Since then, I’ve built global departments for Carlson Wagonlit, led Solutions Architect teams for a major FinTech company, and even spent a brief period in the startup world. 

Why did you decide to rejoin EG? 

Throughout my time away from Expedia Group, I always missed the dynamic of the company; the close‑knit feeling and the passion everyone brought to the workplace. The travel space is a huge industry but a small world for those of us who work in it. 

When I was approached by an Expedia Group recruiter about this role, a role that I thought was a perfect fit for my background, experience, and skill set, I was excited. When I learned that the role would work closely not just with former colleagues but with friends, I was thrilled. 

Finding my way back here was the perfect way to close out 2025, and I’m excited to see what 2026 brings. Ironically given the nature of Expedia Group, I was traveling out of the country on vacation when I got the offer! 

What kind of work are you doing as a Senior Architect  

Within the SPA organization, I serve as a technical advisor and subject matter expert on our platforms, solutions, and inventory. Sitting within the Business Development team, I bring a technical voice into the sales process and support the ongoing integration of new and complex partnerships. 

What excites you about Expedia Group’s future? 

I’ve always been a strong advocate for Expedia Group. The leadership team has consistently provided clear, steady direction and a compelling path for growing the brand and adapting to the future. 

Beyond leadership, Expedia Group continues to deliver solid products and is a well-known, trusted brand in the travel space which makes it an exciting place to help shape what comes next. 

If you had to recommend 1 travel destination, what would it be?

St. John, USVI, is my top recommendation for beach lovers. I was lucky enough to spend most of my summers growing up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and St. John has always been a standout. About 75% of the island is a national park, so it’s been kept remarkably pristine. The beaches are some of the best in the world and are perfect for snorkeling or diving. 

St. John is getting more popular but still maintains a bit of an off‑the‑beaten‑path vibe, with a small but amazing collection of local restaurants, beach bars, and a handful of hotels. If you’re feeling more independent, I’d recommend renting a villa on Vrbo and exploring the island by Jeep. 

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