Zuji executive joins Bezurk.com as CEO

March 28, 2006 |

Asian travel comparison shopping site Bezurk.com appointed Martin Symes, until recently Executive Director, Commercial, at online travel retailer Zuji, as new Chief Executive Officer.

Bezurk.com announced that Martin Symes, until recently Executive Director, Commercial, at online travel retailer Zuji, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. He will also make a financial investment in the company, and become a significant shareholder.

“With the business poised for rapid growth, we are delighted to have someone of Martin’s calibre to lead Bezurk,” said James Vaile, Bezurk’s Chairman and former Expedia VP Asia Pacific. “Martin’s experience of running pan-Asian travel businesses will be invaluable to Bezurk as it embarks on a program of new product launches, new markets and major distribution partnerships. His experience perfectly complements Bezurk’s dynamic young team.

Bezurk.com founder Craig Hewett, who has been acting CEO, will continue to drive the company’s marketing, business development and distribution activities.” Said Martin: “I am excited to be joining Bezurk just as meta-search is taking off in the Asia Pacific online travel space. Craig and the Bezurk team have done a great job in building by far the most sophisticated meta-search technology in the Asia Pacific region and generating strong travel industry support. The challenge now is to scale the business across the region.”

Martin resigned from ZUJI in January 2006 after almost five years of playing an instrumental role in establishing the company and brand as Asia/Pacific’s leading full service online travel retailer, including building businesses in six countries and negotiating partnerships with airlines and travel suppliers, online portals and other partners.
Prior to ZUJI, Martin held senior positions at Hutchison-Priceline, British Airways and American Airlines, where he was Managing Director, Asia Pacific from 1997-99. He has a degree from Oxford University and an MBA from London Business School.