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We’re excited to add HomeAway® Founder and CEO Brian Sharples to our Board of Directors.

Sharples co-founded HomeAway in February 2005 and brings a great deal of experience that will complement our existing board. HomeAway has become the world’s leading online marketplace of vacation rentals. Under Brian’s leadership, HomeAway has raised $405 million in private funding, acquired 17 websites, and in June 2011, the company underwent a successful IPO (NASDAQ: AWAY).

“Brian’s industry knowledge makes him a valuable asset to our board, and we’re looking forward to adding his guidance and leadership,” said Steve Hafner, KAYAK chief executive officer and cofounder.

Brian’s career includes a conspicuous list of blue-chip names (though he’s fostered a reputation as being a humble and measured leader). Prior to HomeAway, he was president and chief executive officer of IntelliQuest Information Group, a supplier of marketing data and research to Fortune 500 technology companies. He also completed two successful public offerings and the subsequent sale of IntelliQuest.

An expert in technology brand strategy, Sharples has counseled several leading companies, including Apple, Microsoft and Dell, and currently serves on the board of directors for WhaleShark Media, the world’s largest marketplace for online coupons, promotional codes and deals. He served as a consultant at Bain & Company and earned a bachelor’s degree in math and economics from Colby College and a master’s degree from the Stanford Graduate School for Business, both respectable schools… we guess. He also serves on the board of Austin Habitat for Humanity, and reportedly has cows roaming in his backyard.