FareHarbor Co-Founder to Lead Global Booking Tech Rollup

Lawrence Hester, co-founder and former CEO of FareHarbor, has been named CEO of Expedition Software Holding, the parent company formed from the merger of three major booking system providers: Rezdy, Checkfront, and Regiondo. This leadership shift follows a major consolidation in the reservation technology space for tours and activities.

Hester’s appointment marks a return to the res-tech spotlight for one of the industry’s most influential figures. Known for his role in driving FareHarbor’s rapid growth and innovation, Hester introduced a customer-fee pricing model that reshaped how reservation software companies operate. His leadership helped position FareHarbor as a dominant player before its acquisition by Booking Holdings in 2018.

He takes over from Mark Loh, another FareHarbor alum, who had served as CEO since early 2024 after a leadership transition within the combined organization. Hester’s new role is backed by Vertica Capital, the private equity firm that funded the rollup and where he is also a limited partner.

The rollup began with the merger of Canada-based Checkfront and Australia-based Rezdy in July 2023, followed shortly by the acquisition of Germany-based Regiondo. The move brought together major res-tech platforms with strong footholds across North America, Oceania, and Europe. Collectively, the companies serve thousands of tour and activity operators globally.

While the three brands currently continue to operate independently, the choice of a high-profile, growth-oriented CEO like Hester suggests strategic ambitions for further consolidation or integration. However, the company has not disclosed specific future plans.

Hester’s return brings renewed attention to the competitive res-tech market, especially as the combined firm looks to scale globally and take on industry giants.

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FareHarbor Co-Founder to Lead Global Booking Tech Rollup

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