Kiru Thirukailayanathan joins shoptravel as chief technology officer

shoptravel Group Inc. has appointed Kiru Thirukailayanathan as its new chief technology officer.

Thirukailayanathan will oversee the technology strategy behind shoptravel's next-generation platform.

shoptravel combines more than 30 years of Canadian travel expertise with technology designed around the traveller experience.

Thirukailayanathan's appointment strengthens that foundation, adding technology leadership to a platform built to engage Canadians from the moment travel inspiration strikes and support them through every step of the journey until they arrive.

“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,” said Frank DeMarinis, president and CEO of shoptravel, in a statement.

“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.”

DeMarinis, former CEO of H.I.S-Red Label Vacations, the parent company of TravelBrands, joined shoptravel in 2025.

And Thirukailayanathan joins shoptravel from TravelBrands, where he served as director of engineering, overseeing initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

He’s expected to leverage that experience to advance intelligent, intuitive solutions that enhance the experience for both travellers and travel advisors.

“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,” said Thirukailayanathan in a statement.  

“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.”

In a press release issued last year, shoptravel said it will deliver “cutting-edge innovation, transparency, and trust across the entire travel journey,” guided by a mission to "empower travellers to explore with confidence, while providing agents with powerful, technology-driven solutions to elevate their service and relationships.”

“More than a platform, Shoptravel is building a movement to modernize and transform the way travel is experienced by both travellers and the professionals who guide them,” the company said.

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