The leadership team at Hopper is the driving force behind the company's strategic direction and key decision-making. They are committed to aligning every choice with Hopper's mission, ensuring that the company stays true to its core values while navigating the ever-evolving travel industry.
Bringing together expertise from various fields, this team fosters a culture of innovation and growth. Their collaborative approach not only drives operational excellence but also inspires every employee to contribute to Hopper's success.
1) Joost Ouwerkerk
Joost Ouwerkerk, the Co-Founder of Hopper, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic vision and technological advancements. His responsibilities include overseeing product development and ensuring the seamless integration of innovative solutions.
During his tenure, Joost has spearheaded several key initiatives, including the development of Hopper's B2B engineering division. His leadership has been instrumental in driving the company's growth and maintaining its competitive edge in the travel industry.
With a diverse background in software development and product management, Joost brings a wealth of experience to Hopper. He has previously held positions at Expedia and Newtrade Technologies, and his academic credentials include degrees from McGill University and the University of Amsterdam. For more details on his professional journey, visit Joost Ouwerkerk's profile.
2) Frederic Lalonde
Frederic Lalonde, the Co-Founder and CEO of Hopper, is responsible for steering the company's overall strategic direction and ensuring its growth in the competitive travel industry. His expertise lies in leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences and drive innovation.
Before founding Hopper in 2007, Frederic served on the Board of Directors at MakeMyTrip.com and held various leadership roles at Expedia, including Vice President of Hotels & Packages Product Planning. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on when he founded Newtrade Technologies Inc., where he served as CTO.
Frederic's impact on Hopper is profound, as he continuously leads key projects that push the boundaries of travel technology. Despite being a college drop-out, his vision and leadership have been instrumental in Hopper's success. For more details on his professional journey, visit Frederic Lalonde's profile.
3) Dakota Smith
Dakota Smith, the President and Co-Founder at Hopper, is instrumental in driving the company's strategic initiatives and operational excellence. His leadership ensures that Hopper remains at the forefront of travel technology innovation.
Before joining Hopper in 2013, Dakota founded Traveler's Digest, where he honed his skills in travel and technology. He also serves as a Board Member at Deep Sky, showcasing his expertise in guiding companies towards growth and success.
At Hopper, Dakota manages several key teams and spearheads initiatives that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. His contributions are vital to maintaining Hopper's competitive edge in the travel industry.
4) Sebastien Rainville
Sebastien Rainville, a Co-Founder at Hopper, plays a crucial role in the company's strategic planning and technological innovation. His responsibilities include overseeing key projects and ensuring the seamless integration of advanced technologies to enhance customer experiences.
Before co-founding Hopper in 2007, Sebastien worked as a Software Developer at F.L. Smithe of Canada. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from École de technologie supérieure, which has equipped him with a strong technical foundation. Sebastien's leadership and expertise are vital to the success of several teams and initiatives within Hopper.
5) Rodrigo Rezende
Rodrigo Rezende, the Chief Compliance Officer for Payments at Hopper, is responsible for ensuring the company's adherence to regulatory standards and managing compliance risks. His unique contributions include implementing robust anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) programs to safeguard Hopper's financial operations.
With a career spanning over a decade in compliance and legal roles, Rodrigo has held significant positions at Trustly, WePay by J.P. Morgan, and MUFG. His expertise in financial crimes compliance and regulatory frameworks has been instrumental in leading key initiatives that enhance Hopper's compliance infrastructure.
Hopper Org Chart
At the top of Hopper's organizational chart is Frederic Lalonde, the Co-Founder and CEO, who steers the company's overall strategic direction. Reporting directly to him are Joost Ouwerkerk, the Co-Founder overseeing product development, and Dakota Smith, the President and Co-Founder responsible for strategic initiatives and operational excellence.
Supporting this leadership team, Sebastien Rainville, another Co-Founder, focuses on strategic planning and technological innovation, while Rodrigo Rezende, the Chief Compliance Officer for Payments, ensures regulatory adherence and manages compliance risks. Together, these executives collaborate to align their efforts with Hopper's mission and values, fostering a culture of innovation and growth.