Tripadvisor is preparing for two senior leadership changes over the next several months. President and CEO Matt Goldberg will leave the company and its board on February 16, 2027, while Chief Financial Officer Mike Noonan plans to resign at the end of 2026 to take another opportunity.
The board has named Kristen Dalton, currently Tripadvisor’s chief strategy and operations officer, interim CFO starting January 1. The company said the departures are not related to disagreements over its operations, policies or practices.
Key details
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Goldberg’s departure: Goldberg is expected to remain employed through February 16, 2027, to help with the transition. His salary, benefits and regular equity vesting continue during that period under the existing arrangements.
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Goldberg’s separation payments: Under his agreement, Tripadvisor will pay him $675,000, equal to half his annual base salary over 18 months, plus another $675,000 tied to his 2026 target bonus.
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Equity and benefits: Half of Goldberg’s unvested equity awards that would otherwise vest during the 18 months after his departure will vest on February 16, subject to any applicable performance conditions. Tripadvisor will also cover COBRA health-insurance premiums for up to 18 months, subject to eligibility, and extend the exercise period for his vested stock options through their scheduled expiration dates.
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Conditions on the package: The payments and benefits depend on Goldberg signing and not revoking a release after his departure and continuing to comply with restrictive covenants, including confidentiality, non-solicitation and non-disparagement obligations. If Tripadvisor ends his employment before February 16 for a reason other than cause, the agreement preserves the specified separation benefits. If Goldberg resigns before that date, he is not entitled to them.
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CFO transition: Noonan will remain in the role through December 31, 2026, to support the handover. Dalton will take over on an interim basis the following day.
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Dalton’s background: She has been chief strategy and operations officer since November 2025. Her prior Tripadvisor roles include president and chief operating officer of the Tripadvisor brand, as well as vice president of financial planning and analysis.
Plain-English implications
The changes put an interim CFO in place immediately after year-end and give Tripadvisor until mid-February to transition its CEO. Goldberg’s agreement provides substantial cash and equity-related separation benefits, subject to release and continuing-covenant conditions.