From Priceline CEO on using OpenAI tech to make travel easier · · CNBCTelevision
“We have had over a million conversations taking place within Penny, and we have to balance the cost with the benefit that provides to our business.”
On , Brett Keller, Chief Executive Officer of Priceline at Booking Holdings Inc, spoke about usage metrics during Priceline CEO on using OpenAI tech to make travel easier on CNBCTelevision.
Brett Keller, CEO of Priceline, announced his departure from the company after 26 years, with his successor Bridget Zimmerman taking over on January 1, 2025. In a December 2024 interview, Keller stated he would remain for a few months to ensure a smooth transition. He said his biggest piece of advice to his successor was to "make sure you have the best possible team working around you." Keller expressed pride in "surviving some of the most challenging hits that a company can take over 25 years and coming out on top." He also said that Priceline's decision to keep the brand limited to North America was a "mistake" and that the company should have expanded worldwide. Throughout 2024, Keller discussed travel demand and the use of artificial intelligence. He stated that travel was "holding up quite well" despite inflation, with consumers continuing to prioritize travel over other spending. Keller noted that hotel prices were beginning to level off and that airlines were improving operationally, though he acknowledged that air travel had been "a mess" due to staffing shortages and delays. He highlighted Priceline's AI chatbot, "Penny," saying the company was using OpenAI's technology to create more natural conversations for planning, booking, and customer service. Keller said that AI would make travel "easier and faster" and that the industry was "finally on the verge of great personalization in travel."
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