What inspired our name, "Jerne"?
FOUNDED 1 MARCH 2021, LAUNCHED 1 JANUARY 2023
jour·ney (/ˈjərnē/)
Journey is movement and our community is all about inspiring positive movement, whether physical or emotional, inspiring action based on shared experiences and the sharing of experiences. (Besides, who doesn't love a good pun?!)
Dr. Niles Kaj Jerne
We love innovators! Dr. Jerne was a 1984 Nobel prize-winning immunologist whose most significant theory, his “network theory”, changed the world's understanding of how antibodies trigger ever-greater numbers of antibodies. Essentially, influence within the human body to effect positive change.
Jerne, Denmark
We follow Danish design principles, not just in our belief in simplicity, functionality, and elegance – an overall “less is more” approach – but in our support of sustainability. Jerne, the Danish town, is part of a waterside region whose ports are crucial to the movement of sustainable energy products.
Behind the Scenes
We've brought together some of the world's leading minds in travel and hospitality marketing, distribution, and technology.
Tim has invested and worked in travel and technology for nearly 20 years. He co-founded The 1000 (acquired by Jerne), a US$3B club for the world's most influential travel advisors. He was the Executive for Canada & EMEA at Virtuoso, a $32B global luxury network of 22,000 travel advisors and 2,000 partners. He also volunteers weekly at Charity Begins @ Home.
Ryan has founded and scaled SaaS travel marketing technologies for nearly 20 years. A strategic advisor and early-stage investor, Ryan has also founded leading travel technology companies, including Travel Agency Tribes, a provider of B2B2C travel marketing technologies used by thousands of travel companies and consumers globally.
Jeff has been a well-known travel industry leader for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining Jerne, Jeff was a VP at Small Luxury Hotels of the World, an executive at J.MAK Hospitality, and a Senior Director at Protravel, following his career beginnings as a travel advisor. He co-founded The 1000 (acquired by Jerne), a US$3B club for the world's most influential travel advisors.
Erik has spent over 12 years focused on leading travel partnerships, including as VP at Tropic Ocean Airways and Collette Vacations. Erik understands the importance of community and what it means for creating successful brands.
Jeremy Sikkema, CTO
Co-Founder, NUI Verification Services
Based in Canada, Jeremy has been developing technology platforms for 20+ years for the loss control, risk assessment, insurance, and wellness industries.
Amy Barker, Technical Advisor
CEO & Founder, Stayker
Based in the USA, Amy has 35 years of travel and tourism industry experience combined with leading travel technology development.
Megan van der Baars, Strategic Advisor
Founder, VDB Communications
Based in Canada, Megan spent 10 years at Fairmont/Accor where she developed a keen eye and industry-leading reputation for influential creator success through strategic marketing and PR initiatives.
Filip Boyen, Strategic Advisor
Ambassador, Forbes Travel Guide
Based in the UK, Filip was previously CEO of Forbes Travel Guide, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and EVP & COO of Belmond (formerly Orient-Express).
Mary Gostelow, Ambassador
President, Gostelow Report
Based in the UK, Mary is owner-editor of the unique and universally-revered bible of the hotel industry, the monthly Gostelow Report market intelligence. She also produces the daily Girlahead travelogue and has received many of the industry's most prestigious awards.
John Schaap, Senior Technical Advisor
Senior Software Engineer
Based in Canada, John has extensive application development and lead programming experience working with a variety of medium to largescale start-ups and corporations.
Industry Board
Directly overseeing marketing and revenue management across many of the world's leading experience providers.
Jill McFadden
Revenue Management Optimization Expert
Based in the USA, Jill has nearly 30 years of experience in revenue management at Starwood including currently as a VP at Marriott International.
Edwin Frizzell
Regional Vice President, Accor Central Canada, and General Manager, Fairmont Royal York
Based in Canada, Edwin has worked in hotel sales, marketing, and operations for over 30 years, for companies such as Disney, Westin, and Hilton.
Ruurd Hooijer
Vice President, Sales, The Set Collection
Based in the Netherlands, Ruurd has been working in hotel sales and marketing for over 17 years, with companies such as Hilton and Leading Hotels of the World.
Chris Fradin
Senior Vice President, Partner Services, EMEA & APAC, Forbes Travel Guide
Based in the UK, Chris has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience with companies such as the Financial Times, British Telecommunications, and Preferred Hotel Group.
Tiffany Dowd
Founder & President, Luxe Social Media
Based in the USA, Tiffany has been a globally recognized luxury travel influencer and strategist for 20 years, working with such organizations as USA Today, Forbes, and The Times UK.
Our Commitment
We proudly represent various lived experiences, geographies, ages, ethnicities, genders, races, and sexualities and are committed to increasing the diversity of our team, boards, and partners as time goes on. We acknowledge our privilege and commit to always striving to be better and do better, as globally-conscious citizens that are determined to make a positive impact.
Jerne is a proud financial supporter of organizations helping the world be better and do better:
