Shane O’Flaherty is a senior executive of retail and hospitality in the industry solutions group at Microsoft and is focused on leading the retail, airline and hotel industry in driving innovation that will enhance the customer and employee journey, while driving increased productivity and cost compression with the use of Microsoft’s technology and its eco-system of hospitality solution partners.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Shane held many senior executive positions including CEO & President at Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide). At Forbes Travel Guide, Shane successfully modernized the hotel, restaurant and spa Five Star ratings system that defines the global consumer experience and spearheaded its global expansion around the world. In addition, he created and grew Forbes Travel Guide Consulting Services into the leading, global provider of customer experience measurement and training for the top hospitality brands in the world such as Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and Mandarin Oriental.

Shane was also director of business and leisure marketing for Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. In that capacity, he orchestrated marketing programs for their luxury hotels worldwide and also directed Preferred’s hotel quality assurance program. Shane has spoken at many industry and client conferences globally and also appeared on Today Show, Fox and Friends, Bloomberg and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY and many other global publications, highlighting the customer journey in the travel and hospitality space.