Worldwide: James Matthews, CEO and co-founder of Eden Rock Group, has joined travel technology company OYO as a non-executive director for the company’s vacation homes business.
Alongside the management of investment firm Eden Rock Group, Matthews is also a shareholder of Eden Rock Hotel in St Barths and a board member of Sheffield Business Park and Williams F1.
Matthews is the second non-executive director to join OYO’s Vacation Homes’ board after Martin HP Söderström, the chairman of DIG Investment, who joined the board in January.
Speaking about the appointment, Matthews said: “I’m delighted to be part of a company that has a runway of tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with Ritesh, the leadership team, and my fellow board members to lead OYO’s transformation and build on customers’ trust and continued preference for small and independent boutique homes and hotels as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of OYO Hotels & Homes and chairperson of OYO Vacation Homes, said: “We are delighted to welcome James to OYO’s board. He brings with him a long-standing record of success and unique insight to the business as we continue on our journey in Europe.
“OYO is fortunate to benefit from his vision and expertise at this important phase of our transformation,” he added.
Anders Persson, spokesperson for Martin HP Söderström, said: “OYO has shown great resilience during the pandemic and its holiday homes business in Europe has led the recovery. Martin looks forward to taking an active role in enabling OYO’s global growth and enabling more strategic partnerships.
“With his long track record as an investor at the highest level, he is sure he can be of great value,” he added.
OYO Vacation Homes recently announced a multi-year strategic alliance with Microsoft to co-develop hospitality products and technologies.
Across its European brands [Belvilla, DanCenter, Danland, Traum Ferienwohnungen, TUI Ferienhaus], the company currently offers fully managed private homes in more than 35 countries worldwide.
