Jumia Travel Announces Joe Falter as New CEO

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

One of the leading online travel agencies in Nigeria, Jumia Travel, on Thursday, September 7, 2017, announced the appointment of Mr Joe Falter as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mr Falter succeeds Mr Paul Midy, who has exited the top post to take a different position in the larger Jumia Group.

Mr Falter, who is also the founder and CEO of Jumia Travel’s sister company, Jumia Food, assumes the role as part of efforts outlined to further bolster the company’s operations.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Falter said, “I could not be more excited to join this dynamic team which is revolutionising the way that people travel in Africa and beyond.

“With by far the biggest hotel inventory and market leading innovations, Jumia Travel is a clear leader in travel, tourism and hospitality, and I am thrilled to be leading the business forward.”

Previously a management consultant at McKinsey in London, and with a track record of scaling companies in Europe and Africa, Mr Falter brings with him a unique shift in strategic management that will help capitalize on emerging business opportunities.

Commenting on his first move as the new travel company’s boss, Mr Falter ascertains that “Jumia Travel has grown exponentially in the last two years and the immediate objective is to continue this rapid growth trajectory while further strengthening our offering to customers and hoteliers.

“Our 30,000 hotel partners in Africa and hundreds of thousands of customers will be treated to exciting new developments online and offline.”

“I am confident that Joe is the right leader to accelerate Jumia Travel to become the only preferred travel agency in Africa and beyond,” says Jumia co-founder, Sacha Poignonnec.

In a similar development, Omolara Adagunodo has taken over from Kushal Dutta as the Managing Director of Jumia Travel Nigeria.

Founded in 2013, Jumia Travel has built a track record in e-commerce and technological innovation, becoming the leading online travel agency in Africa. It offers online hotel and flight booking services as well as tailor made packages for its large inventory of customers, both individual and corporate.