TravelAI, the travel technology company behind the traveller-owned memory portal Traveller.md, has appointed Eugenia Dunaeva as an independent board director. Dunaeva brings more than 15 years of experience in AI strategy, digital transformation, and consumer data ownership, having held senior roles at Meta and Expedia.
In her new role, Dunaeva will help steer TravelAI's governance framework as the company scales its AI infrastructure across the travel industry. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for TravelAI, which recently launched Traveller.md at Phocuswright Europe and acquired the Sonder brand, relaunching Sonder.com as a curated accommodation guide.
Governance and data ownership in travel tech
Dunaeva is currently a partner at DVC, a San Francisco-based AI/ML venture fund. She is widely recognised for her insights on responsible AI governance and the importance of consumer data ownership, a theme that resonates strongly in the travel sector where personalisation increasingly depends on traveller data.
“TravelAI is addressing a crucial issue in travel technology—giving travellers real ownership over their data,” Dunaeva said. She praised Traveller.md as a model for other platforms, noting that its approach could set a new standard for how travel companies handle user information.
John Lyotier, CEO of TravelAI, highlighted the strategic value of Dunaeva's appointment. “Eugenia's experience at the intersection of travel and technology is invaluable as we expand Traveller.md,” he said. “Her expertise in AI governance will be critical as we continue to build trust with travellers and partners.”
Dunaeva holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School and is based in Madrid. Her career includes leadership roles at Meta and Expedia, where she focused on partnerships and new product development, giving her a deep understanding of both the consumer and enterprise sides of travel technology.
TravelAI's platform currently serves over 50 million travellers annually, and the company is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven travel experiences. The appointment of Dunaeva is part of a broader effort to ensure that its AI systems are not only innovative but also ethically sound and aligned with traveller interests.
The move also reflects a growing trend in the travel industry of bringing AI governance expertise to the boardroom. As airlines, hotel groups, and online travel agencies increasingly rely on machine learning for pricing, recommendations, and customer service, the need for robust oversight has never been greater.
TravelAI's recent acquisition of the Sonder brand and the relaunch of Sonder.com as a curated accommodation guide underscore its ambition to expand beyond its core memory portal. The company is also investing in AI infrastructure that could benefit the wider travel ecosystem, from curated accommodation guides to personalised trip planning.
Dunaeva's appointment is expected to help TravelAI navigate the complex regulatory and ethical landscape of AI, particularly as consumer data protection laws tighten globally. Her experience with consumer platforms and her focus on responsible AI will be instrumental in shaping the company's policies.
“We are committed to giving travellers control over their data, and Eugenia's guidance will help us do that in a way that is both innovative and responsible,” Lyotier added.
TravelAI's growth comes at a time when the travel industry is increasingly focused on tech-driven partnerships and data-driven personalisation. The company's emphasis on traveller-owned data could resonate with consumers who are becoming more aware of how their information is used.
As TravelAI continues to expand, the addition of Dunaeva to its board signals a clear commitment to governance and expertise in AI infrastructure. Her appointment is a positive step for the company and for the broader travel technology sector, which is grappling with how to balance innovation with consumer trust.
