Meeting our Founder, Melissa Maher

Melissa is a forward-thinking strategist with a multifaceted perspective and deep insights into global marketing, communications, industry engagement, diversity & inclusion, technology, and commercial relationship-building across the hospitality and other sectors. She is a trusted advisor and thought leader who leverages 20 years of experience at Fortune 500 Expedia Group. With a proven track record in implementing strategies, deploying operational and branding solutions, and driving innovative business solutions, Melissa founded Pinnacle Enterprises Group to equip executives with the tools and strategies they need to excel in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Melissa most recently served as CMO & SVP of Marketing and Industry Engagement at Expedia where she oversaw B2B Marketing, Communications, Industry Engagement, Strategic Events, Partner Loyalty & Owner Relations. Prior to that, Melissa was Expedia’s first Chief Inclusion Officer championing diversity and inclusion. Melissa also served as SVP of the Global Partner Group at Expedia where she set strategy and direction and led the commercial teams while cultivating and managing Expedia strategic partnerships with global chains, key accounts, and connectivity partners.

Active in the hospitality industry, Melissa is an advisory board member with Thayer Ventures, StayBoutique, and Women in Travel Thrive. She has received several honors such as Top 40 Women in Travel by WINiT by Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), 30 Influential Women in Hospitality by Hotel Management, and one of the 100 most Inspirational People in the Travel by the International Hospitality Institute.

Passionate about the travel industry from a young age, Melissa graduated from the UNLV with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management. Melissa also earned her MBA from UNLV. Melissa has earned her Professional Executive Coaching certification and Life Mastery Consultant certification from Brave Thinking Institute.