Industry Veteran Joins SkyRun Vacation Rentals as The New President and COO

Written By: Anirban Bhattacharya

Anirban Bhattacharya

I am a Content Writer at Travel And Tour World, where I have been covering the global travel and tourism industry since June 2024. With five years of experience in digital journalism and SEO-focused content, I specialize in reporting on travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, railways, and international developments. My work is built on thorough research, fact-checking, and clear, reader-focused reporting that transforms complex industry updates into accurate and accessible news. I am committed to producing credible, informative, and timely content that helps travelers and industry professionals stay informed about the latest trends, destinations, policies, and developments shaping the global travel landscape.

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September 5, 2024 19:55 GMT+5:30

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SkyRun Vacation Rentals (SkyRun), a leading property management franchise specializing in vacation rentals, has announced the appointment of Cord Thomas as its new President and Chief Operating Officer. Thomas’ leadership marks an exciting chapter in SkyRun’s ongoing expansion as the brand prepares to grow its presence in new markets across the country. His appointment follows the remarkable growth that took place under former CEO, Lukas Krause, who now transitions into the role of Chairman and shareholder to provide high-level strategic support.

Cord Thomas’ Extensive Franchise Experience

Thomas brings over 16 years of experience in the franchising world to SkyRun. Notably, he was the President and Founding Partner of Elevation Burger, a brand he successfully developed before it was sold in 2019. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of an award-winning Neapolitan pizzeria, where he played a critical role in driving business development, overseeing real estate and finance strategies, and growing system-wide profitability.

“SkyRun has built a reputation as the gold standard in the short-term rental market over the past two decades,” said Thomas. “I’m excited to join this talented team and continue enhancing the brand’s strong industry presence. My goal is to provide franchisees with the resources and knowledge they need to navigate the challenges of today’s competitive vacation rental market and succeed.”

Strategic Plans for the Future

Thomas’ first 30 days in his new role will be spent meeting with SkyRun franchisees across the country, gathering insights on areas for improvement and identifying opportunities to further strengthen SkyRun’s best-in-class property management services.

“SkyRun’s success lies in the localized expertise that each franchise brings to its market. Franchisees are deeply embedded in their communities, offering personalized services while leveraging the national brand’s technology and support,” said SkyRun Co-founder and Managing Partner Steve Falk. “With Cord’s experience in scaling emerging franchise brands, we are confident that SkyRun will continue to grow its name and market share in the vacation rental industry.”