This week, Dakota Smith—co-founder of travel-tech leader Hopper and head of its top-earning division—announced his exit from the Montreal-headquartered company through a LinkedIn post. The news has sparked conversation across the travel technology sector regarding changes at the top of Hopper’s business-to-business (B2B) operations.
Change at the Helm of Hopper Technology Solutions
For the last three years, Smith was at the forefront of Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS), Hopper’s B2B arm. During his tenure, HTS forged vital collaborations with numerous major banks, airlines, and travel agencies, bringing on board key partners such as Uber, Expedia, and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Just this week, HTS welcomed Aven Hospitality as its newest partner, reflecting its continuous growth strategy.
Smith has stated that as of 2025, HTS is responsible for 90% of all company revenue, which highlights just how critical his role was and how significant his departure will be for Hopper’s leadership team.
Smith’s Influence on the Industry
Smith established a solid reputation within the B2B travel technology field, earning respect from industry peers and partners alike. According to one source in the sector, Smith played a central part in shaping the B2B landscape, a space that remains pivotal as Hopper focuses on expanding its business partnerships.
Smith’s announcement on LinkedIn did not include details about why he is leaving or what he plans to do next, but acknowledged his impact, especially in fostering HTS’s reputation and achievements within the company and across the industry.
Hopper’s Growth Fueled by Key Collaborations
The division’s commercial surge has been propelled in large part by the ability of HTS to secure and manage collaborations with industry-leading names. Bringing in Aven Hospitality this week further illustrates HTS’s strategy of continually expanding its institutional partner network. Strategic ties with companies like Uber and Expedia have consolidated Hopper’s role as a major player in the arena of travel technology and corporate travel solutions.
As Hopper weighs options for Smith’s successor, ensuring ongoing progress in its leading division remains a top priority. HTS’s recent milestones, and Smith’s own emphasis on the dominance of B2B revenue over direct-to-consumer streams in travel technology, make this a crucial juncture for the company.
Future Prospects for Hopper
The departure of Smith represents a significant turning point for Hopper, considering the essential place of HTS in the company’s success. Hopper now faces the challenge of sustaining and expanding the influential partnerships and business strategies Smith cultivated, with an eye on safeguarding the stability of the division that accounts for the majority of its income.
While the company has yet to issue an official comment concerning the transition in HTS leadership or potential successors, Hopper’s next steps will be closely watched.
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