Kerri Zeil
Illinois
Overview
With more than thirty years of experience in travel technology, distribution, and innovation — and over a decade specializing in growth strategies, start-up consulting, and new business development — I am deeply committed to driving the evolution of the global travel ecosystem. Today, my professional focus centers on enabling emerging and scaling businesses to unlock growth opportunities, strengthen market positioning, and accelerate innovation. As the Global Director of the GAIN Growth Hub, I lead initiatives that empower startups and scaleups in the travel technology and hospitality sectors
About
With more than thirty years of experience in travel technology, distribution, and innovation — and over a decade specializing in growth strategies, start-up consulting, and new business development — I am deeply committed to driving the evolution of the global travel ecosystem. Today, my professional focus centers on enabling emerging and scaling businesses to unlock growth opportunities, strengthen market positioning, and accelerate innovation. As the Global Director of the GAIN Growth Hub, I lead initiatives that empower startups and scaleups in the travel technology and hospitality sectors through fractional leadership, strategic advisory, and tailored growth programs. My work at GAIN bridges vision with execution — helping early- and mid-stage companies transform innovative ideas into scalable business outcomes, partnerships, and investor-ready strategies. In my role as a member of the Travel Technology Association’s Innovation Advisory Council, I contribute to advancing public policy initiatives that foster a fair, innovative, and competitive travel technology marketplace. I collaborate with startups and SMBs to identify systemic challenges, shape data-driven recommendations, and advocate for policies that support sustainable business growth. Across all my roles — as a strategic advisor, mentor, fractional executive, and board member — I remain focused on expanding opportunities within the travel and hospitality sectors by promoting collaboration, encouraging innovation, and supporting the development of new business models that redefine how the industry connects, operates, and grows.