Travelzoo Inc, a global Internet media company, today announced that Simon Talling-Smith will join Travelzoo on August 1, 2013, as President, Products & Emerging Businesses. Mr. Talling-Smith joins Travelzoo from British Airways, where he currently serves as Executive Vice President, the Americas, and is Chairman of the American Airlines-British Airways-Iberia Joint Business. In his new role, Mr. Talling-Smith will oversee all product development, infrastructure and customer-related activities. He will also lead Travelzoo’s emerging businesses, including Fly.com, Travelzoo’s new hotel booking platform and mobile apps.

At British Airways, Mr. Talling-Smith has been responsible for a number of key innovations. From 2001 to 2004 as Head of Ecommerce, he led BA.com, the airline’s award-winning website. As Head of Product Management from 2004 to 2006, he created, developed and managed British Airways’ customer products and services, including business-class flat beds and the design of Terminal 5 lounges. From 2006 to 2008 he served as Head of Inflight Service, managing 14,000 staff. Since 2008, he has been responsible for BA’s commercial and operational activities across the Americas and the Caribbean.

“Simon brings over 20 years of world-class product, commercial and executive leadership experience to Travelzoo. He has an outstanding track record of developing high-quality products and highly effective organizations,” said Chris Loughlin , chief executive officer of Travelzoo. “I look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our products and scale our emerging businesses.”

Mr. Talling-Smith holds an M.A. (Hons) in Engineering, Economics & Management from University College, Oxford and is a Vice President and Board Member of the British American Business Council. He is married with three children. Mr. Talling-Smith will be based at Travelzoo’s Silicon Valley office.