Avoya Travel, one of North America’s leading host travel agencies, has entered a new chapter in its 60-year journey. Following the departure of co-CEOs Jeff and Michael Anderson on June 13, 2025, the company now steps boldly into a future guided by new leadership, fresh strategy, and expanded investment from private equity firm Certares.
This milestone marks the first time in Avoya’s history that an Anderson family member will not be involved in executive leadership, closing a generational era while opening doors to ambitious growth and technological transformation. Travel advisors, industry partners, and clients alike are watching closely as Marc Kazlauskas, a travel veteran and president of Frosch under J.P. Morgan Chase, prepares to take the helm as CEO effective August 4.
A Legacy Reinvented: From Hawaii to Host Agency Powerhouse
Founded by Pat and the late Pal Anderson as a Hawaii-based tour operator, Avoya has evolved through decades of transformation—from Anderson Travel and Cruises to the fully integrated host agency model it is known for today. Under the guidance of successive generations, the Andersons built an agency that today supports nearly 2,400 independent travel advisors (IAs).
Now, the baton passes to Marc Kazlauskas, signaling a bold reinvention. His deep experience at Frosch and J.P. Morgan Chase promises to bring modern strategies to Avoya’s operational playbook while retaining the advisor-first values that defined the company.
“We’re grateful to the Andersons for 60-plus years of building a great company. Now it’s time to take it forward,” said Phil Cappelli, Chief Sales Officer at Avoya.
Certares Doubles Down: Strategic Growth Backed by Investment
Certares, which became an investor in Avoya in 2021, has now acquired the Anderson family’s remaining stake, giving it a dominant role in guiding Avoya’s future. Known for strategic investments in the travel and hospitality sectors—including stakes in American Express Global Business Travel and AmaWaterways—Certares brings unmatched expertise in scaling industry giants.
With this deeper involvement, Certares aims to elevate Avoya’s capabilities across technology, marketing, and advisor support systems. The firm’s investment serves as a clear vote of confidence in Avoya’s model, its leadership, and the future of independent travel advisors.
“They believe in what we’re doing,” Cappelli said. “This is a big boost for the company, and they’re committed to making sure we have what we need to succeed.”
Empowering Advisors Through Next-Gen Technology
Central to Avoya’s next phase is a robust plan to expand and enhance its technology platform. Known for its proprietary booking systems, marketing automation, and lead distribution network, Avoya is investing heavily in tools that empower its independent network.
Upcoming enhancements are expected to include:
- Improved CRM platforms for client management
- AI-powered lead generation and trip-matching tools
- Enhanced booking interfaces for air, cruise, and land packages
- Real-time performance analytics and dashboards
These innovations will help Avoya advisors increase conversion rates, deliver seamless experiences to clients, and better compete in an increasingly digital-first travel economy.
“Avoya’s independent advisors are at the heart of everything we do,” Cappelli emphasized. “Our goal is to build a better ecosystem for them—faster tools, more leads, and greater flexibility.”
What Independent Advisors Need to Know
For the thousands of independent advisors within Avoya’s network, business remains steady—only smarter. The leadership shift will not impact the day-to-day operations for advisors, but the benefits of new investment will soon be felt in the form of stronger marketing support, easier systems, and personalized business growth strategies.
Advisors can expect:
- Consistent access to quality leads
- More training and digital resources
- Increased personalization in advisor communication
- Additional tools for client retention and rebooking
These changes underscore Avoya’s continued commitment to its advisor-centric approach, even amid significant organizational shifts.
Charting the Path Forward: Innovation Meets Opportunity
Kazlauskas steps into his role as CEO at a time of tremendous opportunity. The post-pandemic travel boom has fueled strong demand for trusted travel advisors, and host agencies like Avoya play a critical role in helping clients navigate complex itineraries, insurance requirements, and global travel logistics.
Certares’ strategic vision combined with Kazlauskas’ leadership will position Avoya to:
- Expand into international markets
- Offer more dynamic packaging and real-time pricing
- Build alliances with suppliers for exclusive content
- Explore new business models in luxury and experiential travel
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Growth, Guided by Legacy
Avoya Travel’s leadership transition marks the beginning of a new era driven by technology, innovation, and scalable growth. While the departure of the Andersons closes a defining chapter in the company’s history, the foundation they built continues to guide the next generation of success.
With Certares doubling down on investment and Kazlauskas bringing a modern lens to operations, Avoya is not just reacting to changes in the travel industry—it is leading them.
For advisors, suppliers, and clients, the message is clear: Avoya is here to stay, and it’s getting bolder, smarter, and more advisor-focused than ever before.
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