Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky addressing the audience via video at the Skift Global Forum. Photo credit: Skift
NEWS
Airbnb wants its mojo back
CEO BRIAN CHESKY ISN’ T HAPPY ABOUT THE COMPANY’ S GROWTH RATE, BUT HE’ S BULLISH ON ITS AMBITIOUS PLANS TO FIX THAT.
By DAVID EISEN
Brian Chesky, the CEO of Airbnb, appeared onscreen, as if summoned to wring out every ounce of his company’ s toil in front of an assemblage at the Skift Global Forum. It was a near facsimile to last year when the anything-butdiffident Chesky also piped in via video feed rather than in person; the only physical change was his now hirsute countenance.
But a lot has changed for Airbnb other than its CEO’ s facial hair— it’ s not just about
Homes, anymore.
In May, Airbnb launched Services and( relaunched) Experiences after a pandemic false start— all part of a redesigned app. Why limit yourself to just a place to lay your head when you can hire a professional chef to cook a meal or engage a hair stylist to create the perfect balayage? Chefs and hair stylists are part of Airbnb’ s initial 10 categories of services with more promised to come, Chesky said.“ A lot of
70 hotelsmag. com November 2025