A few weeks ago, I was in Indianapolis with the Sabre Hospitality team. President Scott Wilson and the team shared a compelling roadmap with clear direction, strong energy, and a sense that Sabre was building real momentum. There was also excitement among the Sabre team about the potential of increased investment by their new private equity owners, TPG (this was before the deal officially closed).
Now, with TPG’s acquisition complete, word is Scott will be “exploring new opportunities,” and a new CEO is stepping in. Teresa Mackintosh brings deep SaaS credentials, but apparently no travel or hospitality background. The business is currently being referred to as Hospitality Solutions.
I get the move to bring in an experienced PE-backed CEO with a strong SaaS background. But hospitality isn’t just another SaaS vertical. It’s nuanced, messy, and people-driven (just ask Oracle/Micros).
Will TPG back real innovation, or will this be the standard PE playbook?
There are great people and solid tools at Hospitality Solutions (the company formerly known as Sabre Hospitality). While I remain skeptical, I’m hoping for the best and watching closely, especially since so many hotels here in Hawaiʻi use the Synxis Booking Engine and CRS.
