Brian Chesky

Brian Chesky is a co-founder and CEO who reshaped the hospitality industry with Airbnb, building a global platform connecting travelers with unique accommodations. After co-founding Airbed & Breakfast in 2007, Brian Chesky went on to reshape the hospitality industry with Airbnb, building a global platform connecting travelers with unique accommodations. Faced with rent challenges in San Francisco, Chesky and RISD classmate Joe Gebbia began offering short-term lodgings in their apartment, featuring air mattresses and Pop-Tarts, particularly during events where hotel rooms were scarce. This initiative, which evolved into Airbed & Breakfast, saw the recruitment of Nathan Blecharczyk to develop its critical online platform.

Demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy, Chesky joined Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ The Giving Pledge in 2016 and donated $10 million to nonprofit organizations supporting frontline workers in 2020. His philanthropic efforts further solidified when he was ranked #20 on The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s list of 50 most prolific philanthropists in the US in 2022. Furthering his impact on social good, Chesky pledged $100 million over five years to the Obama Foundation in 2022, establishing a dedicated scholarship program. Also in 2022, he was featured among the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute.

As CEO of Airbnb, he continues to drive innovation in the travel and technology sectors, leveraging his background in industrial design to shape user experience and expand the company’s global footprint.