Former Paddy Power Technology Director joins WRI

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Web Reservations International (WRI), global leader in online hostel and budget accommodation reservations, based in Dublin, has today announced that John O'Donnell has joined the company as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). As CTO John will have responsibility for leading the technology strategy for WRI, including the flagship brand Hostelworld.com, through the company's next phase of growth. John will report directly to WRI's CEO Feargal Mooney.

John joins WRI from Paddy Power plc where he held the role of Head of Technology since 2000. During this time he developed the technology capabilities of Paddy Power (www.paddypower.com) from a handful of employees to a 100 strong multi-discipline development and support function. This capability underpinned the growth of their e-Commerce online business from a fledgling channel in 2000 to a billion euro turnover business delivering over 70% of corporate profits in 2009. In addition John also developed and delivered a mission critical product and pricing global delivery system which was the basis for Paddy Powers B2B business channel that enabled their 2010 strategic alliance with the French conglomerate PMU, Europe’s largest betting organisation. Prior to Paddy Power, John worked in New York as Technology Operations Manager for Lehman Brothers and was responsible for the project implementation of a newly developed trading platform (OptiMark) onto the Nasdaq Stock exchange in 1999.

In his new role John will take responsibility for crafting the technology strategy and roadmap which will positively impact the overall competitive position of WRI. Key to this in 2010 is the re-launch of WRI's flagship brand Hostelworld.com, and associated international sites. John starts during an intensive period, with WRI set to increase its workforce by 25% this year alone. John will be integral to this growth, with the majority of the jobs within the IT and software development department.

Feargal Mooney, welcoming John to the company said"We're delighted to have John joining the team at WRI. He brings with him a broad level of expertise, which will be paramount in driving our technology strategy over the coming years. His wealth of experience, proven record for success and passion for technology make him the perfect fit for WRI, enabling us to fully realise the opportunities for growth and innovation that lie before us".

John commenting on his new position said"I'm enthusiastic to be joining WRI at what is a very exciting time in the company's history. As the market leader in the hostel and budget accommodation sector WRI is at the leading edge of technological innovation. I look forward to working with the team in achieving our ambitious targets and in making the booking experience across WRI's suite of websites, in particular our key consumer brand Hostelworld.com, as enjoyable and efficient as possible for our growing global customer base."

About Web Reservations International

WRI provides technology, distribution and marketing solutions to accommodation and other travel suppliers worldwide through a network of owned sites and affiliate partners. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, WRI was founded in 1999 and has representative offices in Shanghai and Sydney. WRI has developed award winning websites including hostelworld.com, hostels.com, bedandbreakfastworld.com and trav.com, and has successful affiliate relationships with many of the world’s leading brands. The WRI business model is simple and fully automated where travellers pay a modest non refundable deposit when they book accommodation on line which is retained by WRI. The balance is paid by customers directly to the accommodation provider at check-in. Hostels and other accommodation providers rely on WRI’s advanced technology platform to allocate inventory, manage pricing and receive bookings within a fully automated process.

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