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Steve Hafner

Executive Chair (formerly CEO & Co-Founder), Kayak · USA

Steve Hafner is the CEO of Kayak. Hafner is based in USA. Hafner has held the role since 2004.

Hafner co-founded Kayak in 2004 and served as CEO for 22 years before stepping down in February 2026. Previously, he was an executive vice president at Orbitz and a strategy consultant at Boston Consulting Group. He holds a BA in economics from Dartmouth College (1991) and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School (1997).

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Recent developments

AI summary of recent coverage

Recent coverage has focused on Steve Hafner's transition out of the chief executive role at Kayak after 22 years, with Peer Bueller appointed as the new CEO while Hafner moved into the position of executive chair. Additional reporting has noted that Kayak founders, including Hafner, have formed a new AI startup in partnership with Booking Holdings.

Summarized from the headlines below; see each source for the full story.

Our coverage

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Steve Hafner: FAQ

Who is Steve Hafner?
Steve Hafner is the Executive Chair (formerly CEO & Co-Founder) of Kayak, based in USA.
What company does Steve Hafner lead?
Steve Hafner is CEO of Kayak, a role held since 2004.