Andrew Rubinacci, Chief Commercial Officer, FLYR Hospitality, interviewed by Dorothy Dowling

Curiosity, Adaptability, and Leadership Across Hospitality’s Evolving LandscapeAndrew Rubinacci’s career reflects a journey shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. Beginning in operations with a goal to become a general manager, he moved into revenue management after being identified for a new initiative, becoming the first revenue manager at IHG. His path expanded into distribution, digital, and e-commerce roles across major organizations, including Bristol, Maristar, and IHG, where he led early OTA negotiations and gained global experience in Europe.Across brand, ownership, management, and now technology at FLYR, Rubinacci emphasizes understanding the three core stakeholders in hospitality—brand, owner, and manager—each with competing priorities that shape decision-making. He highlights the contrast between large organizations requiring rigor and alignment, and smaller or integrated businesses that can move quickly. In technology and AI, he stresses staying current through networks, continuous learning, and adaptability, noting that innovation often comes from those able to move fast without legacy constraints. His perspective underscores that while technology is transforming the industry, success still depends on understanding fundamentals and navigating complexity.Notable Quotes• “You just work hard. Stay true to yourself.”• “Speed sometimes helps you win.”• “You should do revenue management.”• “You can't get too far behind because it's changing that rapidly.”• “Work your ass off in your twenties.”Closing ReflectionRubinacci’s journey reflects leadership grounded in adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning. He demonstrates how diverse experiences across operations, commercial strategy, and technology shape a broader perspective. By embracing change and staying curious, he navigates complexity with clarity. His approach highlights that success comes from understanding both people and systems.His story reinforces that careers are rarely linear and often shaped by unexpected opportunities. By working hard, staying curious, and building relationships, new paths emerge. He encourages future leaders to seek knowledge, create opportunities, and remain adaptable. As technology reshapes the industry, those who evolve will remain relevant. Ultimately, his journey shows that growth comes from action, curiosity, and a commitment to learning.