In her new role, Whalen will lead the company’s global finance organization and financial activities including accounting; corporate development; financial reporting and analysis; internal audit; investor relations; real estate; tax; and treasury.
She comes to Expedia Group with more than two decades of finance experience and a proven track record of driving financial success in a global retail environment across multiple brands and channels, according to the company. Most recently, she served as EVP/CFO, Williams-Sonoma Inc. having progressed through positions of increasing responsibility in that company’s finance organization since joining in 2001, including 10 years as CFO.
She also brings a strong understanding of Expedia Group’s business, finances and operations, having served as a member of the company’s board of directors and audit committee since June 2019, and as chair of its audit committee since June 2020. While she has resigned as chair of the audit committee, she will continue as a member of the board of directors following her appointment.
“Julie is a highly respected financial executive with years of success as an operating leader,” said Peter Kern, vice chairman/CEO, Expedia Group. “She comes with a background and commitment to understanding customers and driving long-term value.”
Whalen said, “I have developed a great deal of respect and admiration for Expedia Group’s business and leadership team over the past three years through my board position. I am excited to join Expedia at such a pivotal time and to help deliver on the company’s growth strategies to maximize shareholder value.”
While Eric Hart will be moving on from his role at Expedia Group to pursue new opportunities, he will continue to lend his experience and skills to the broader Expedia Group family through his service as the chair of the supervisory board of directors of Trivago N.V., and the board of directors of Global Business Travel Group Inc.
“We thank Eric for his many contributions to Expedia Group during the past 13 years, not the least of which includes nearly three years as the company’s CFO, where he was critical in successfully navigating the pandemic, all while helping me and other leaders guide the company through a significant transformation,” added Kern.
