Darren Huston
CEO and Founder in New York City, NY
Darren Huston is an accomplished business executive with a career spanning over 30 years in various industries, primarily focusing on technology and e-commerce. He currently serves as the Chairman of The Knot Worldwide since 2017 and holds chairmanships at several other companies including Allegro Group, Skyscanner, GameAddik, and Operto. Additionally, Darren Huston is the founder and leader of BlackPines Capital Partners, a firm dedicated to improving business outcomes for owners and leaders of both private and public companies.
Educated at Harvard University, where he obtained an MBA, and the University of British Columbia, where he earned an MA in Economics, Darren Huston has a strong academic background that has underpinned his professional achievements. Before his current roles, he was the CEO of Booking.com and later became the Group CEO of the Priceline Group. His career also includes various executive positions at Microsoft, including as the CEO of Microsoft Japan, as well as roles at Starbucks and McKinsey & Company.
At BlackPines Capital Partners, which he founded in May 2016, Darren Huston has focused on engaging in large-scale, high-profile, growth-oriented opportunities. His tenure as Chairman at Allegro, Poland’s largest eCommerce site, is notable for its IPO in October 2020. Similarly, his involvement with Skyscanner, the world's largest travel search engine, and TKWW, a leading marketplace for life’s events, reflect his capacity for leadership in diverse business environments.
In addition to these roles, Darren Huston has been instrumental in the growth of Operto Guest Technologies, where, as Executive Chairman and Majority Investor, he has contributed to the development of a 'smart stays' operating system. His role at GameAddik, a marketing engine for PC game publishers, further showcases his range of expertise in different facets of the technology sector.
Darren Huston resides in Vancouver, BC with his family. His career reflects a diverse range of roles and achievements, demonstrating his adaptability and leadership skills across various sectors of the business world.