Are you ready to get an inside look at how one of Europe’s top TravelTech companies leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic thinking to transform the travel experience? In this exclusive interview with Stanislav Komanec, CTO of Kiwi.com, you’ll discover the unique approaches and insights driving Kiwi.com’s growth and reshaping the TravelTech industry. With a team of over 400 engineers, Stanislav and his team are setting new standards in automation, AI integration, and customer support – and he’s here to share these strategies with us.
Grab a coffee, lean back, and get ready to dive into a masterclass on tech leadership, innovation, and the future of TravelTech.
Video Interview
You can watch the video on YouTube or below:
Why Kiwi.com?
For those unfamiliar, Kiwi.com has carved a significant niche in the travel industry. Founded in the heart of Europe, the company has become known for its dynamic and flexible booking services, combining flights, buses, and trains into a seamless experience for travelers worldwide. But behind this user-friendly platform lies a robust technology infrastructure – one that Stanislav and his team continuously optimize to stay competitive.
“Our responsibility to customers is massive,” Stanislav says. “With hundreds of engineers, we constantly work to ensure that engineering remains one of the best investments for Kiwi.com.”
How TravelTech Is Evolving – And What That Means for CTOs
Travel is a high-stakes game where split-second decisions and streamlined processes can make all the difference. Kiwi.com understands this better than most. According to Stanislav, one key to staying ahead is embracing the newest technologies, especially artificial intelligence.
“AI is at the forefront of what we do, both for customer support and internal efficiencies,” he explains.
By implementing AI into daily operations, Kiwi.com automates many routine processes, allowing engineers and developers to focus on higher-impact tasks. This forward-thinking approach is something every tech leader can take inspiration from, especially if you’re working in an industry where customer experience is paramount.
Stanislav highlights three primary areas where AI is making a difference:
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Personal Productivity – AI supports day-to-day tasks, research, and rapid information retrieval.
- Developer Productivity – Quick, data-driven iterations on prototypes, allowing the team to move faster than ever.
- Customer Service Optimization – AI-driven responses are helping Kiwi.com provide faster, more empathetic responses, improving customer satisfaction.
Redefining Roles in Tech: The Shift to T-Shaped Skills
As Stanislav describes it, the role of the modern developer is shifting. At Kiwi.com, engineers are encouraged to become “T-shaped” – meaning they possess deep technical expertise while also understanding the broader business landscape. This is particularly crucial in an industry where data, logistics, and customer experience converge.
“Developers need to understand business impact,” Stanislav explains. “The days of purely coding without a business perspective are fading. It’s about leveraging both technical and business skills to make smarter, faster decisions.”
So, what does this mean for other tech leaders? For one, it’s a wake-up call that upskilling and cross-skilling are now essential, especially if you want your team to remain competitive and agile. Whether through internal training programs or mentoring, CTOs should consider how to develop these hybrid skills within their teams.
A Culture of Continuous Learning and Experimentation
In Stanislav’s view, Kiwi.com thrives on a culture of experimentation, where teams aren’t afraid to try, fail, and iterate. He credits this approach for Kiwi.com’s ability to stay agile and adaptable in an unpredictable industry.
“It’s all about testing and learning in real time,” he shares. Kiwi.com’s engineers often run multiple versions of a product simultaneously, A/B testing in real-time, and collecting data on what works best. “We can now run dozens of prototype landing pages in seconds, analyze user behavior, and select the most effective one – it’s a game-changer.”
For CTOs and tech leaders, this underscores the importance of fostering a culture where teams feel empowered to experiment. In a fast-moving industry, the ability to test ideas, learn from them, and pivot quickly is an invaluable asset.
Hiring and Retention: Lessons Learned from the COVID Era
One of the most interesting parts of our conversation is when Stanislav reflects on his role in recruiting talent for Kiwi.com, especially during the pandemic. With travel restrictions and economic uncertainty, the competition for top talent in tech was fiercer than ever.
“COVID taught us a lot about resilience and adaptability,” Stanislav recalls.
Kiwi.com faced attrition as employees pursued new opportunities, which led him to take an active role in recruitment. He restructured the hiring process, focusing on proactive outreach and streamlining operations within the recruitment team.
For other tech leaders, his experience highlights the need to rethink talent acquisition strategies in challenging times. Consider how you can adjust your hiring approach, optimize the candidate experience, and make your company’s mission a central part of your pitch to prospective hires.
Key Takeaways: How to Thrive in the Future of TravelTech
Stanislav’s insights are a goldmine for any CTO or senior tech leader, especially those in customer-centric industries like TravelTech. Here are a few actionable takeaways:
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Leverage AI Beyond Automation: AI isn’t just a tool for automating mundane tasks – it’s a strategic asset that can improve product development, customer interactions, and overall efficiency. As Stanislav puts it, “Being proactive with AI adoption has given us a massive advantage.”
- Build T-Shaped Teams: Cultivate a workforce that goes beyond technical skills. Encourage your team to develop business acumen, understand stakeholder needs, and connect their work to the company’s strategic goals.
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Foster a Culture of Experimentation: Give your teams the freedom to test ideas, learn from failures, and iterate quickly. For Kiwi.com, this culture has allowed for rapid development cycles and more informed decision-making.
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Rethink Recruiting with Proactivity: In a competitive talent market, waiting for applicants isn’t enough. Stanislav’s approach to proactive recruiting helped Kiwi.com attract high-caliber talent even in difficult times. Think about how you can incorporate similar strategies to build a resilient team.
Stanislav’s Advice for Tech Leaders Navigating Rapid Change
Toward the end of our interview, Stanislav offered some advice that resonated deeply:
“Stay curious, understand your value, and be ready to adapt every day,” he advises.
For tech leaders, this means not only keeping up with the latest technological advancements but also understanding how these changes impact the business and your team.
The pace of change in tech is faster than ever. By staying informed, upskilling yourself and your team, and focusing on the big picture, you can navigate these shifts with confidence and clarity.
Watch the Full Interview Now
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these insights, I highly recommend watching the full interview. Stanislav’s expertise and practical advice make this a must-watch for anyone in tech leadership, particularly in industries that, like travel, are undergoing rapid change. You can connect with Stanislav on his LinkedIn
Let us know in the comments what resonated with you the most. And if you’re in a similar role or industry, share your own insights and experiences with these topics. After all, we’re all navigating this fast-evolving landscape together.
