Expedia Cuts 1,500 Roles to Pivot Toward Next-Gen Tech

Expedia Group is undergoing a significant transformation of its workforce, a move characterized by the departure of long-tenured employees to make way for new talent.

This shift is part of a broader corporate restructuring aimed at accelerating the company’s technical evolution and streamlining its global operations.

The Strategy Behind the Turnover

Expedia’s recent workforce reductions, which have impacted roughly 1,500 employees or 9% of its staff, are not merely a cost-cutting measure.

Instead, internal sources and company statements suggest a deliberate pivot toward “next-generation” expertise.

Management is prioritizing skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and cloud architecture over legacy technical roles.

CEO Ariane Gorin, who recently took the helm, has emphasized the need for “velocity” in product development.

By phasing out older roles and hiring for new specialized positions, Expedia aims to complete its multi-year journey of migrating various brands—like Vrbo and Hotels.com—onto a single, unified technical platform.

Expedia Group’s Internal Cultural Friction

The transition has sparked debate within the company’s Seattle and Austin hubs.

Departing staff, many with over a decade of experience, have expressed concerns that the company is sacrificing institutional knowledge in exchange for cheaper or more specialized new hires.

Reports indicate that some departments are facing layoffs. Meanwhile, others are actively recruiting for roles that require expertise in generative AI and platform engineering.

This “out with the old, in with the new” approach has led to a dip in morale among remaining veteran staff.

Critics argue that the aggressive restructuring risks alienating the very culture that built the travel giant.

Meanwhile, supporters claim the move is essential for Expedia to remain competitive against rivals like Booking.com and Airbnb.

A New Chapter for the Travel Giant

The restructuring comes as Expedia invests heavily in its “One Key” loyalty program and AI-driven travel planning tools.

By refreshing its talent pool, the company hopes to lower its long-term operational costs. This shift is also intended to boost the efficiency of its engineering teams.

As the travel industry increasingly shifts toward hyper-personalized, AI-driven experiences, Expedia is betting that its new workforce will be the key to market dominance.

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