Lisa Chen brings 30 years of business leadership experience to ToursByLocals, spanning general management, strategy, operations, technology, marketing, and branding at companies including Disney, Expedia, Vrbo, BedandBreakfast.com, and Forté Foundation. Throughout her career, she has led large teams through complex business transformations in two-sided marketplaces and SaaS businesses, while also helping smaller organizations achieve profitable growth and scale.
Before joining ToursByLocals, Lisa served as General Manager and Vice President of Expedia's Lodging Connectivity and Software businesses, overseeing solutions for vacation rentals and hotels. She spearheaded innovations in APIs and software that significantly expanded Expedia's ability to serve property managers and hotels, strengthening its position as a preferred partner. Previously, as General Manager of Vrbo's BedandBreakfast.com, she led the transformation of the platform into a fully transactional global marketplace for B&Bs, while overseeing property management software designed for independent accommodation owners.
Earlier in her career, Lisa led global marketing at Forté Foundation, modernizing its digital strategy and earning the organization's website two Forbes recognitions: as a top website for women and for entrepreneurs. At The Walt Disney Company, she led brand, marketing, and consumer strategy initiatives, working with senior leadership across Disney, ESPN, and ABC.
An experienced industry speaker, Lisa has presented at more than 20 events during her time at Expedia and ToursByLocals, including Phocuswright, VRMA, Expedia EXPLORE, and Arival. Her speaking experience ranges from main-stage keynotes for audiences of more than 2,000 to intimate panels and industry roundtables.
Lisa holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a BA from Cornell University. An avid scuba diver who has lived on five continents, she developed a deep appreciation for locally guided experiences during a 13-month journey around the world. She now lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, young son, and their small, fluffy dog.