Andrzej Kozłowski, previously Vice President and CFO, has been appointed as the new CEO of eSky Group, following over 10 years with the company. This leadership change comes as eSky continues its dynamic growth, particularly in package sales, following the successful integration of Thomas Cook.
Meanwhile, Łukasz Habaj, one of eSky Group’s co-founders and CEO in 2010-2016 and 2020-2025, is stepping down due to health reasons but will remain on the Supervisory Board to support the company’s strategic direction, including its expansion in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) online travel agency (OTA) market and the development of Thomas Cook as a brand.
“In November last year, I suffered a serious skiing accident, which has made it impossible for me to continue working at the level I consider necessary. Therefore, out of full responsibility for the company, I have decided to step down earlier than planned to focus on my full recovery. My original plan was to stay until the end of this year. Andrzej Kozłowski is the perfect candidate to replace me. He has been fully involved in all aspects of operational management and is a co-architect of our transformation strategy, turning eSky into a modern 21st-century tour operator. He knows the company inside out, has extensive managerial experience, and possesses strong leadership skills with a clear vision for the future,” said Łukasz Habaj.
Habaj’s Leadership and eSky’s Rapid Growth
Habaj returned to eSky in 2020 to navigate the company through the biggest crisis in the travel industry in decades. Under his leadership:
- In 2021, despite ongoing market challenges, eSky posted a positive EBITDA of nearly PLN 62 million, 104% higher than in the record-breaking pre-pandemic year of 2019.
- In 2022, he spearheaded eSky’s 2022-2027 strategy, aiming to transition the company from a flight ticket broker into a full-fledged online tour operator (OTA) and a CEE market leader.
- That same year, MCI Capital, one of the largest private equity funds, became a major investor, now holding 57% of eSky shares.
Between 2021 and 2023, eSky achieved triple-digit EBITDA growth. 2024 was particularly successful, with Habaj overseeing:
- A strategic partnership with Ryanair, signed in April.
- The acquisition of Thomas Cook, the world’s oldest travel brand, in September 2024.
With Thomas Cook, eSky gained not only a globally recognized brand but also unique industry expertise. This resulted in Alan French, former CEO of Thomas Cook, joining eSky’s executive management team as Chief Holidays Officer, leading the dynamic packages segment.
Kozłowski to Continue eSky’s Strategic Transformation
eSky’s long-term goal is to become the leading online travel agency in Central and Eastern Europe by 2027. The key driver of this growth is its innovative “dynamic packages”, including Holidays and City Breaks, which combine scheduled flights, hotels, and transfers into a single booking.
This strategy transforms eSky into a true tour operator, with packages covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund, providing full consumer protection. These flexible travel options—already popular in Western Europe—offer a strong alternative to the rigid, traditional package deals of conventional travel agencies.
“When we developed the company’s new strategy, our priority was to provide customers with the greatest possible value. Dynamic packages are an innovative solution, blending the best practices from Western Europe with the needs of today’s travelers in our region. Customers decide when, where, and how they want to travel, while we ensure unmatched flexibility, a wide selection of options, and competitive pricing—all through a seamless online booking process with secure payment options and full consumer protection,” said Andrzej Kozłowski.
Strong Market Performance and Future Growth Plans
The strategy is already paying off—in the past year alone, nearly 100,000 customers chose eSky’s dynamic packages.
“This success confirms that our solutions resonate with customers. We are already among Poland’s top ten tour operators, despite having actively invested in this sector for just two years. Strengthened by the acquisition of Thomas Cook, we will continue our mission of enabling travelers to explore the world on their terms—offering personalized trips at the best prices with the support of our outstanding team,” added Kozłowski.
About Andrzej Kozłowski
Andrzej Kozłowski brings extensive experience in finance and management, having worked at Deloitte before joining eSky in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer. Since 2016, he has been a Board Member, overseeing the company’s international expansion and operational efficiency. Under his leadership, eSky’s EBITDA has grown tenfold, making it one of the fastest-growing players in the European travel market.
Source: Manager Plus
