Booking Holdings shares surge 10.27% after hours as KAYAK names Peer Bueller CEO and Steve Hafner shifts to AI leadership role.

Booking Holdings surged 10.27% in after-hours trading following two key developments: 1) Analysts highlighted its stronger positioning amid AI-driven disruption in the travel sector compared to peers like Expedia, with risks already priced into its valuation; 2) The company announced leadership changes at KAYAK, appointing Peer Bueller as CEO and transitioning co-founder Steve Hafner to Executive Chair to focus on AI innovation. These moves reinforced confidence in Booking’s strategic direction, particularly its expansion in corporate travel and AI integration, offsetting earlier bearish technical indicators and intraday declines. The after-hours rally reflects renewed optimism about its long-term growth prospects and operational execution.