A co-founder at the helm
To lead the business, the Board of HBX Group has chosen one of its own. Carlos Muñoz already sits on the Board as a Non-Executive Director, having been elected at the Annual General Meeting on 12 February 2026. He will remain a member of the Board and will become an Executive Director when he takes up his new role.
The appointment concludes a comprehensive search process conducted by the Board to identify the leader best placed to drive the Group’s next phase of growth. It comes just over a month after the retirement of Nicolas Huss, which took effect on 30 September 2026.
HBX Group at a glance
Founded in Mallorca in 2001 under the name Hotelbeds, HBX Group is an independent B2B travel technology marketplace. The Group owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline and Roiback, connecting hoteliers and travel suppliers with a vast network of intermediaries: online travel agencies, traditional travel agencies, tour operators and airlines. Acquired from TUI in 2016 by Cinven and CPP Investments for around €1.2 billion, it was renamed HBX Group in 2023. It has been listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange since February 2025. Its operational headquarters are in Palma de Mallorca.Advertisement
More than 26 years in the travel industry
A co-founder of HBX Group, Carlos Muñoz has more than 26 years of experience in the travel industry. Within the Group, he has held a number of senior leadership roles, including Deputy CEO, Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director.
In these positions, he led the Group’s global commercial strategy, product innovation, partnerships and operational integration across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Technology, data and AI at the heart of the mandate
James Bilefield, Chair of HBX Group, described Carlos Muñoz as an outstanding leader with an in-depth knowledge of HBX Group, its teams and its markets. He highlighted the new CEO’s combination of strong sector expertise and a solid technology background, as well as his track record in platform development, innovation, commercial leadership and operational execution.
The Chair added that Carlos Muñoz’s ability to bring together technology, data and business strategy would be particularly decisive at a time when AI is creating new opportunities across the entire travel industry.
For his part, Carlos Muñoz emphasised the Group’s strengths: exceptional teams, strong relationships with clients and partners around the world, and a leading position in B2B travel technology. He said that, as AI and digital innovation transform the industry, he looked forward to harnessing the Group’s technology solutions, data capabilities and talented teams to accelerate execution, unlock new growth opportunities and create long-term value for its partners and shareholders.
A transition steered by Brendan Brennan
Since the departure of Nicolas Huss, the role of interim CEO has been held by Brendan Brennan, who continues to serve as Chief Financial Officer. James Bilefield praised his leadership, saying that Brendan Brennan had ensured continuity and stability for the business and had managed the transition with care and professionalism.
Analysis – By choosing one of its co-founders following a Board-led search, HBX Group is betting on continuity and on an intimate understanding of its business model, while placing AI squarely at the centre of its roadmap. Other industry players have also opted this year for a leader from within their own ranks, such as Choice Hotels, which confirmed Dominic Dragisich at its helm. 1 December 2026 will also see Christophe Fanichet take over as CEO of Eurostar.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
HBX Group appoints co-founder Carlos Muñoz as CEO
Effective date: 1 December 2026; remains on the Board as Executive Director
Background: co-founder with 26+ years in travel; former Deputy CEO, CCO, COO and Managing Director
Succession: follows the retirement of CEO Nicolas Huss on 30 September 2026
Interim: Brendan Brennan, Interim CEO and CFO, managed the transition
Focus: technology, data and AI to drive the next phase of growth in B2B travel tech
