Ryanair appoints first chief technology officer to head up tech innovation hub
John Hurley has joined Ryanair as the airline’s first chief technology officer as part of its annual £10m investment in a tech innovation hub.
Joining from US publishing firm, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Hurley will head up the innovation hub and its 200 strong team. He will also work closely with chief executive Michael O’Leary to develop and implement its new digital and technology strategy.
Hurley said he was “delighted” to be joining Ryanair.
“I look forward to working with the best airline and digital technology professionals as we develop a world-class infrastructure to further improve the Ryanair experience for our 86 million customers,” he said.
Speaking to The Drum last month, chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs revealed the airline “may be looking at acquisitions in the digital area and trailing new bits of hardware” to support the tech hub, although he didn’t go into detail.
It comes ahead of the pan-European roll-out of a new TV, outdoor, print, radio and experiential campaign due to launch in September.
Hurley officially joins Ryanair on 5 September.