Summary
Trivago’s CEO, Johannes Thomas, said companies should invest one or two hours in AI. The travel site reported 21% revenue growth in Q2, reaching 168.4 million euros. Thomas credited AI for the company’s growth and said he now spends over half his time on AI transformation. Trivago, which grew 20% last year to $633 million in revenue, is competing with larger players like Booking Holdings and Expedia. The CEO also developed a “role evolution agent” to help employees adapt to AI-driven changes.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Trivago grew 21% in Q2, hitting 168.4 million euros.
CEO Johannes Thomas spends more than half his time on AI.
He built a tool to help employees adapt to AI-driven changes.
He says CEOs should block time for AI, no matter the cost.
Author: Evan Null
Trivago’s AI Push
Trivago, a hotel search site, reported a 21% increase in Q2 revenue, reaching 168.4 million euros. The company, which had a near-death experience during the pandemic, is now focusing on AI to drive growth. CEO Johannes Thomas said he now spends over half his time on AI transformation, up from a quarter a year ago. He credited AI for the company’s recent success and urged other CEOs to invest time in AI.
CEO’s AI Strategy
Thomas said the company had a choice: downsize to 200 people or scale to 6,000 using AI. They chose the latter. He now spends more time on AI and has developed a “role evolution agent” to help employees adapt. The tool scans each employee’s work, messages, and job description to create a personalized plan for automation. Thomas said the tool also helped him streamline his own work, including earnings preparation.
Competing in a Crowded Market
Trivago is smaller than Booking Holdings and Expedia, but it has grown to $633 million in revenue. The CEO said small and medium-sized companies with a tech DNA are in a “sweet spot” because they have less bureaucracy. He argued that AI can help these companies move faster than larger rivals. Trivago’s focus on AI is part of its strategy to stay competitive in a market dominated by bigger players.
AI as a Leadership Tool
Thomas designed a tool to help him and his employees rethink their roles in an AI-driven future. He said the tool gave him a personalized playbook on how his job might change. He also said he spends 10 more hours a week working, which he attributes to the AI transformation. Despite the long hours, he said it’s “very exciting” and urged other CEOs to invest time in AI.
CEO’s Advice to Other Leaders
Thomas told other CEOs to “invest at least one or two hours into AI and rethinking your work.” He said they should block their calendars and focus on AI, even if it means sacrificing time with family. He said the effort is worth it, as AI can help companies adapt and grow. His own experience shows that AI can streamline tasks and improve efficiency, even for top executives.
