With twelve years of experience of life at Expedia Group, Neil Chatterjee has developed an in-depth, and unique, knowledge of the travel industry, as well as how to succeed as a leader. When we asked Neil “What has kept you motivated at EG so far?”, his reply was simple “it’s my colleagues – some of the best and brightest in the business – people I’d gladly spend time with at work or on holiday. And in a dynamic industry like travel, there’s always something exciting around the corner.”

In this blog we explore the career journey Neil has been on during his time at EG, how he approaches forging successful relationships with his hotel partners, and the importance of coaching his team.

Neil Chatterjee | Director, Account Management | Stockholm, Sweden

You’ve been at Expedia Group for almost 12 years! Can you walk us through your journey and how your role has evolved?

I’d describe my career as “Transformative.” Every step has reshaped my approach. I started as a Market Manager covering Stockholm, then I became an Area Manager for Sweden and Norway, before taking on my current role, Director for the Nordics. Over these years, our tools and how travelers and hotel partners connect online have changed dramatically, and I’ve led projects on acquisition, KPI development, and regional chain initiatives. Yet one thing remains constant: our success has been powered by the passionate people who power travel for everyone, everywhere.

I’ve stayed motivated in my time at EG by knowing that I’m helping to grow our industry. Travel, tourism and hospitality are massive employers worldwide (9.1% of global GDP in 2023), often paving the way for underrepresented communities to enter the workforce and thrive. When our work makes a difference – be it for a traveler or someone working in tourism – it has a ripple effect that excites me every single day. We have access to some of the best minds and resources in travel. We’re always monitoring the competition, listening to our customers, and keeping a close eye on tech innovation. The ever-changing nature of travel and the endless opportunities it creates is what truly excites me about the future.

What are some of your approaches to forging successful partnerships that drive business growth?

Trust, transparency, and genuine interest are my cornerstones. I strive to build true partnerships where our hotel partners know they can always reach out for honest advice. At the end of the day, it’s all about working together to deliver the best for our customers. One initiative I’ve been involved with recently has been redefining our engagement with enterprise partners of all sizes. We developed new guidelines, worked closely with product teams, upskilled our account managers, and drove growth and efficiency. It’s been a journey, but seeing happier partners and better products has been very fulfilling.

How did your experience as a Market Manager shape your leadership style as you progressed to Director for the Nordics?

Being on the ground and talking directly with our hotel partners gave me invaluable insight into their needs. I still make it a point to be in the field with my team, observing, learning, and engaging. This hands-on experience taught me to identify challenges, spot opportunities, and truly understand our team’s development needs. Distilling these insights and sharing them effectively is what makes a real difference.

Is there any advice you wish you had received when you were early into your career?

I wish someone had told me, “You don’t have to have all the answers.” I used to feel the pressure to know everything, but I learned that asking questions and trusting your team is far more effective. Also, perfection can be a hurdle – action and iteration are key. Build your network, learn to say no, strategically, and remember that coaching your team is much more powerful than just managing them. Coaching, after all, is about unlocking potential—something I find incredibly rewarding.

As for advice I’d give to someone now, I’d say be open to learning, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to fail – just fail fast and learn quickly. Lean on your team because their success is your success. Remember to take time for reflection and to support your team even when they might not realize they need it. 

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