Frymire Joins Sonder’s Board of Directors

Former CEO of travel management company CWT Michelle Frymire joined short-term accommodation provider Sonder Holdings’ board of directors, according to Sonder.

Frymire in May stepped down as CWT CEO after leading the TMC since April 2021. During her tenure, Frymire led CWT through a restructuring process that included a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which enabled the TMC to slash its debt in half and access $350 million in new capital.

Frymire joined CWT as CFO in January 2019, and previously served in senior financial roles for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Delta Air Lines and Continental Airlines, among others.

“Michelle is one of the foremost travel and tourism sector experts in the United States. Her deep experience in driving global strategy as well as overseeing product and technology platform investments will bring strong contributions to our future development as a global hospitality leader,” said Sonder co-founder and CEO Francis Davidson in a statement.

Frymire’s TMC background brings specific expertise in corporate travel to Sonder’s board, which the company in recent months identified as a “huge opportunity.” Sonder went through its own restructuring process in June, but has made several recent moves to indicate an increased focus on corporate travel for its long-term plans, including setting up a business travel focused sales organization and committing more deeply to its global distribution system strategy.

Frymire’s appointment follows Verizon Consumer Group EVP and CEO Manon Brouillette’s resignation from Sonder’s board.

Angelique Platas  www.businesstravelnews.com