LyrArc Article Gist
CEO Jeffrey Boyd of Priceline.com hands the CEO role to Darren Huston, a former Microsoft executive. Boyd will continue as chairman. During a remarkable leadership for the company following the dotcom bust Boyd made important acquisitions, including Booking.com. The smaller online travel companies with a focus on hotels in Europe and Asia helped Priceline.com grow rapidly by taking smaller commissions. Priceline shares increased by 65% in 2013 to reach $1000. Revenue for the third quarter of 2013 increased 33% to $2.27 billion with increase in Asian bookings, and overall profit increased to $866 million from $596 million in the year ago quarter. Boyd's strategy in 14 years at Priceline.com was to keep the different websites acquired under separate management to keep brand loyalty and customer perceptions. Websites such as Agoda.com, Booking.com, Kayak, and Rentalcars thrived under independent leadership at each website. Huston headed the international brands and Booking.com from Amsterdam, where he will continue to be located.