Expedia Group, Inc. announced Sept. 14 that Julie Whalen will be its executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective Sept. 26. She succeeds Eric Hart, who will remain with the company through Oct. 1 to ensure a seamless transition.

As Expedia Group’s EVP and CFO, Whalen will lead the company’s global finance organization and financial activities, including accounting, corporate development, financial reporting and analysis, internal audit, investor relations, real estate, tax, and treasury, according to a company press release.

Whalen comes to Expedia Group with more than two decades of finance experience and a proven track record of driving financial success in a global retail environment across multiple brands and channels. Most recently, she served as EVP and CFO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. having progressed through positions of increasing responsibility in Williams-Sonoma’s finance organization since joining in 2001, including 10 years as CFO.

Whalen also brings a strong understanding of Expedia Group’s business, finances and operations, having served as a member of the company’s board of directors and audit committee since June 2019, and as chair of its audit committee since June 2020. While she has resigned as chair of the audit committee, she will continue as a member of the board of directors following her appointment.

“Julie is a highly respected financial executive with years of success as an operating leader,” said Peter Kern, vice chairman and CEO, Expedia Group, in the company press release. “She comes with a background and commitment to understanding customers and driving long-term value. We’re excited to bring Julie’s energy and drive to our leadership team and look forward to the impact she can bring to our finance organization and across our entire enterprise.”

“I’ve developed a great a deal of respect and admiration for Expedia Group’s business and leadership team over the past three years through my board position,” Whalen said in the release. “I’m excited to join Expedia at such a pivotal time and to help deliver on the company’s growth strategies to maximize shareholder value.”

While Hart will be moving on from his role at Expedia Group to pursue new opportunities, he will continue to lend his experience and skills to the broader Expedia Group family through his service as the chair of the supervisory board of directors of Trivago N.V., and the board of directors of Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (“GBT”).