In this edition of Expedia Group Arrivals, we’re excited to welcome Hilik Kotler, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer. Based in our Bay area office, Hilik joined EG in May 2025 and prides himself on leading with empathy, and building high performing, inclusive teams.

Hilik, welcome to Expedia Group! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My background is a blend of technology and business, driven by a passion for problem-solving. I grew up in Israel and even played professional soccer for a time, which taught me a lot about discipline and teamwork.

My 20+ year career has been defined by a mix of entrepreneurial and corporate leadership roles. I co-founded a security company, Promisec, where I pioneered the first agentless endpoint security solution, & secured eight patents. I have since led cybersecurity at a global scale for companies like SoFi and FICO. I’ve always been passionate about building high-performing, inclusive teams that don’t just protect a business, but also help it grow.

Outside of work, I’m a proud husband and father to two amazing teenage daughters, and together with our beloved Maltese dog, Kai, we call San Jose, California home. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, listening to podcasts, and catching a good live concert. I’m also a lifelong soccer fan and a big supporter of the Golden State Warriors.

What excites you about Expedia Group and what brought you here?  

Expedia Group is a technology company at its core, but it’s also deeply human helping people connect, discover, and experience the world. That mission really resonated with me. 

What brought me here was the opportunity to help build a bold, resilient, and innovative cybersecurity and IT function – one that’s deeply embedded in the user experience, product, technology, and business strategy. The scale, complexity, and potential for innovation at EG are truly unmatched. 

In addition, I had the opportunity to meet some of the team on previous occasions and was genuinely impressed by the professionalism and passion they demonstrated. When I met Ramana, our Chief Technology Officer, during the hiring process, it was clear that we share the same philosophy, and I knew we could accomplish great things together. 

Tell us about your role as SVP, Chief Information Security Officer  

As SVP, CISO, I’m responsible for safeguarding Expedia Group’s platforms, corporate assets, customer data, and digital trust. But it’s more than protection, it’s about enabling the business to move fast, innovate securely, and deliver exceptional experiences for travelers around the world.  

My scope also includes leading the IT function, which allows us to integrate security and technology from the ground up, building a culture of resilience, simplicity, and smart automation.  

A major focus for me is to bring the best possible employee experience, one that enables teams to ship fast, experiment faster, and leverage cutting-edge innovation with transparency and agility. We’re not just protecting the business, we’re actively powering its ability to grow, evolve, and lead.  

What are you looking forward to accomplishing within the next year at EG?  

In the short term, I’m focused on strengthening our foundation, defining and executing against our cyber risk appetite, maturing our program, and aligning security and IT with business priorities. 

But just as important is injecting innovation, using AI and automation to reduce complexity, improve user experience, and increase developer velocity.  I also want to help build a culture where technologists feel empowered to take ownership and think creatively, and where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values but operational strengths.  

How would you describe your leadership style?  

I lead with trust, ownership, and high expectations. I value people who think independently, take initiative, and challenge assumptions. I give my team the space to grow, lead, and bring ideas to life, because when people feel trusted and supported, they deliver their best work.  

I’m also a data driven leader. I believe decisions should be grounded in insights and clarity, not just instinct. I prioritize collaboration and open communication, knowing that the best outcomes come when people with different perspectives work together.  

I believe in fostering a team culture that is inclusive, respectful, and empowering, where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. And above all, I lead by example with work ethic, humility, and kindness, because being thoughtful and respectful is foundational to building trust and driving impact.  

What is your favorite type of vacation?  

Anything that blends exploration, culture, and unplugging. I love discovering new cities and hidden local experiences, and I always come back inspired with new ideas, often unrelated to work… but somehow still relevant.