With a career spanning over two decades at Expedia Group, Susan Spinney has witnessed and influenced the transformation of the travel industry. In her current role as Senior Vice President for Trips Partnerships, she’s at the forefront of shaping the future of travel. The recent announcement of a strategic partnership with Ryanair is a testament to her leadership and Expedia Group’s commitment to expanding traveler options.

Learn more about Susan as we unpack her career journey, values and the lessons she’s learned.

What was your first role at Expedia Group,
and how did you find yourself on that career path? 

My first job in travel was with a company called Globetrotters in Boston. Starting in the call center, I worked my way up to operations then to product management covering multiple areas including the Caribbean, Latin America, Hawaii and Europe. It was there that I learned the ropes of the travel industry, and how to adapt to different cultures and navigate the business world. 

Fast forward to 2001, I found myself unexpectedly interviewing at HRN/Hotel Reservations Network in Miami which then became Hotels.com. I ended up landing the job and my first role was as a Market Manager where I built relationships with our hotel partners across various regions. As you can imagine, this was a very interesting and difficult time for the travel industry. 

Can you describe some of the major transitions you’ve made
within Expedia Group as you’ve progressed through your career? 

During my early years at Expedia Group, we were faced with many industry challenges, including the aftermath of 9/11 and economic downturns. These experiences taught us the immense importance of partnership and living out our value of trusting each other. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with partners worldwide, gaining invaluable insights into how Expedia Group plays an essential role in our industry and the lives of our customers.  

During the Expedia and hotels.com merger, I transitioned to the analytics team in Dallas before returning to market management, leading the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. This period fostered a deep appreciation for Expedia Group’s support, as I balanced marriage, having children, and losing a loved one.  

Upon my return from maternity leave and my manager’s transition to a new role, I embraced becoming the Senior Director for NY, New England, and Canada. This success paved the way for a lateral move to Owner Relations. While initially unfamiliar, it opened doors to strategic partnerships with key ownership and management groups and led to my first VP role. 

Then in March 2020, as the world faced unprecedented times, I left lodging and took on a transformative role by leading the car rental team, followed by adding our activities division. This experience provided invaluable insights into different sectors and solidified my understanding of how EG operates. 

After a 23 year career at EG, What is your “why”? What keeps you at EG?

From a young age, I’ve had a strong desire to give back. Organizations like UNICEF and foster care programs have inspired me to make a difference and be a part of something bigger than myself. When I discovered the world of tourism, I realized I could combine my passion for helping others with my professional life. Tourism isn’t just about vacations; it’s a lifeline for countless communities. By supporting our partners, we’re directly impacting people’s livelihoods, proving that travel is a force for good. It’s incredibly rewarding and I’m proud to be carrying out our mission of powering global travel for everyone, everywhere. 

Also recently, a colleague shared a note with me highlighting people that I helped promote. Reading about their successes felt like a tangible reminder of the impact we make. It’s moments like these that solidify my decision to stay at EG. Knowing that my work contributes to the growth and prosperity of others is immensely fulfilling.

What advice would you give your younger self about pursuing a leadership role? 

Stay true to yourself: Don’t feel pressured to mold yourself into someone else’s image of a leader. Your unique perspective and values are your greatest assets. Building a leadership style rooted in integrity and honesty will not only garner respect but also create a genuine connection with your team. 

Self-awareness is key: Knowing your triggers and how you react under pressure is crucial. Leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up authentically, communicating clearly and supporting your team, even on tough days. 

Surround yourself with inspiration: Early on, I’ve realized the importance of aligning with leaders whose values resonate with mine. Throughout my career, I’ve learned so much from leaders who prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and accountability. Surround yourself with people you admire so that you can learn from their strengths and watch how they navigate challenges. 

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