Navigator names Janet Hotz as Chief Operating Officer

Navigator has appointed Janet Hotz as Group Chief Operating Officer, adding the new role to its executive team as it expands internationally.

Hotz joins the London-based travel-focused commerce media company with 30 years of experience across financial services, consulting, technology and education. She has previously worked at HSBC, Credit Suisse, UBS and KPMG Consulting, and has also held executive roles at technology ventures.

The appointment comes as Navigator seeks to widen its global footprint. The role was created to support the scaling of its operations and commerce media network.

During her career, Hotz has overseen operational budgets of more than USD $1.5 billion and managed global teams of more than 500 people across data and analytics, technology, compliance and client services.

She will help steer operational change as Navigator grows across multiple markets. Founded in 2020, the company focuses on travel audience data for advertisers and agencies.

Navigator says its platform gives clients access to more than 2 billion first-party intent signals through partnerships with airlines and travel brands. That data is used across digital advertising channels.

The hire follows other changes at the company this year. Navigator recently opened an office in Singapore and appointed Paul Wright as an adviser to the board.

Wright has previously held senior roles at Uber, Amazon, Apple, Sky and AOL. His appointment, along with the Singapore opening, is part of a broader expansion as Navigator seeks to extend its presence beyond the UK.

Steve Rowbotham, Chief Executive Officer, said: "Janet's hands-on expertise in scaling global operations and executing complex strategies across international markets makes her a vital addition to the business. As Navigator expands further, her background in high-performing operational data and technology operations, and her track record in leading cross-border teams, will be invaluable to our development into a world-class commerce media network powered by travel signals."

Hotz's background spans strategy, operations and transformation work in large organisations.

Navigator describes itself as a travel audience platform for commerce media. It works with advertisers seeking to target consumers using travel-related signals and says it combines data, campaign delivery, measurement and integrations with major demand-side platforms and agency systems.

Expansion plans

The creation of a Group Chief Operating Officer role suggests Navigator is formalising its structure as it scales.

Hotz said: "Building the world's first travel commerce media network on our unique data assets is a phenomenal opportunity. The market timing, the platform and the product strategy all align perfectly. Navigator is fundamentally redefining how advertisers reach and engage travel audiences, and joining the team at such a pivotal point in its development is genuinely exciting."

Navigator was founded by Rowbotham, an Olympic medallist, and is headquartered in London. Hotz's experience in organisational growth and international execution is expected to support its next phase of expansion.