New York, United States, November 2024 – Walks and Devour, globally renowned providers of sightseeing and food tour experiences, have announced a major leadership transition. Stephen Oddo, the co-founder and President, will step down from his day-to-day role on December 1, 2024, while continuing as a strategic advisor to the organization. In his place, Roisin O’Sullivan, currently Chief Operating Officer, has been named the Global Managing Director.
In her new role, O’Sullivan will oversee Walks and Devour’s global operations, focusing on driving the company’s growth, expanding its offerings, and ensuring exceptional travel experiences worldwide.
“I’m incredibly proud of what Walks and Devour have achieved over the past fifteen years. The opportunities for future growth are endless,” Oddo said. “With Roisin at the helm, I’m confident the company will continue thriving, adding unparalleled and exclusive tours to its robust global portfolio.”
Oddo founded Walks in 2009, starting with a vision to share Italy’s rich culture and history. The company has grown into an industry leader, employing over 1,000 guides across 23 cities in Europe and North America. Walks’ exclusive partnerships with world-renowned cultural landmarks such as the Vatican, Colosseum, and Tower of London have made it a pioneer in offering unmatched travel experiences.
During his tenure, Oddo also led the acquisition of Devour Tours in 2021, enriching the company’s portfolio with exceptional food tours.
Hornblower Group CEO Mike Flaskey expressed gratitude for Oddo’s contributions:
“Stephen’s impact on Walks and the travel industry is immeasurable. Even as we expand Walks and Devour globally, his original mission—to immerse travelers in culture and history—remains our guiding principle.”
O’Sullivan, a veteran with nearly a decade at Walks, reflected on her predecessor’s influence:
“Stephen has been a transformative figure in the tours and activities industry, from creating skip-the-line tours to developing exclusive access experiences. His vision inspires us to push boundaries and always prioritize our guests.”
With her leadership and deep understanding of the company’s ethos, O’Sullivan plans to continue expanding Walks and Devour’s global footprint while maintaining the unparalleled quality of its offerings.
About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is a global leader in experiences and transportation, with a century-long history. Its offerings include water-based experiences (dining and sightseeing cruises), land-based tours (walking and food tours), and ferry and transportation services. City Experiences, Hornblower’s premier division, spans more than 50 U.S. cities and serves over 20 million guests annually across a dozen countries.
Hornblower Group is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional corporate offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Dublin, and across Ontario, Canada. The company is majority-owned by Strategic Value Partners (SVP).
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