Kiru Thirukailayanathan has been named Chief Technology Officer of shoptravel Group Inc. — the Canadian travel platform built to be a travel co-pilot rather than just a booking engine.
Thirukailayanathan joins the executive team to lead the technology behind a platform designed to inspire Canadians to travel, not just help them book.
He brings over 15 years of experience developing technology solutions for the travel industry.
In his role as Chief Technology Officer, he will guide the development of shoptravel’s platform as the company builds toward a full-service experience that supports travellers and travel advisors alike.
shoptravel pairs over three decades of Canadian travel expertise with technology built to serve it. Thirukailayanathan’s appointment deepens that combination, bringing senior technology leadership to a platform whose purpose is to meet Canadians earlier in the journey, at the first spark of an idea, and stay alongside them from inspiration to the moment they land.
Frank DeMarinis, President and CEO, shoptravel, said that: “Kiru’s appointment as Chief Technology Officer marks an important milestone for shoptravel as we continue building a next-generation travel platform. With more than 15 years of experience developing technology solutions for the travel industry, Kiru brings the expertise, strategic vision, and leadership needed to help accelerate our mission.”
DeMarinis continued: “His deep understanding of both travel and technology will be instrumental as we create smarter, more intuitive experiences for travellers and travel advisors alike. We’re thrilled to welcome Kiru to the executive team and look forward to the impact he’ll have as we continue shaping the future of travel.”
Thirukailayanathan joins shoptravel from TravelBrands, where he previously served as director of engineering, leading work in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. He will draw on that experience to help build smarter, more intuitive tools for travellers and travel advisors.
His move also reconnects him with familiar ground: TravelBrands is part of the Canadian travel heritage that shaped shoptravel’s founder, Frank DeMarinis.
Commenting on his appointment, Thirukailayanathan said: “I’m excited to join shoptravel at such a pivotal stage in its journey. I’ve long admired Frank’s vision for the future of travel, and the opportunity to help bring that vision to life was one I knew I wanted to be part of.”
And he added: “After more than 15 years in travel technology, I’m looking forward to working alongside the team to build an innovative travel platform that empowers travel advisors, simplifies the travel experience, and delivers exceptional value to travellers. I believe we’re creating something that has the potential to meaningfully reshape how people experience travel.”
shoptravel is headquartered at 6240 Highway 7, Woodbridge, ON and will be available at shoptravel.com as the company prepares to open for bookings across Canada.
