Certares

Certares is a global investment firm established in 2012, primarily focusing on the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. The firm also extends its investment activities to business and consumer services. Certares employs a flexible capital approach, engaging in private equity, structured equity, and credit investments, with a strong emphasis on long-term value creation through strategic partnerships and operational improvements within its portfolio companies.

Founded by Michael Gregory (Greg) O’Hara, Certares was formed to bring together experienced private equity and operating professionals with deep industry, investment, transaction, and management expertise. Prior to establishing Certares, O'Hara served as Chief Investment Officer of JPMorgan Chase’s Special Investments Group and as a Managing Director of One Equity Partners. The firm's core principles revolve around effective partnership with management teams, driving strategic and operational enhancements, and direct alignment with its investors.

Certares boasts a diverse portfolio of investments across its target sectors. Notable portfolio companies include American Express Global Business Travel, Hertz Global Holdings, Internova Travel Group, Avia Solutions Group, Azul S.A., and Mystic Invest Holding. The firm has also made investments in companies like G Adventures, FTI GROUP, Wheels Up, Global Blue, and has been involved in real estate transactions such as the sale of EAST Miami.

The Certares team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in private equity, travel, and hospitality operations. Key team members like Greg O’Hara, Colin Farmer, Tom Klein, Henry Briance, and Nolan Hecht bring decades of experience from leading roles at firms such as JPMorgan, One Equity Partners, Sabre, and American Express Global Business Travel. Their collective expertise spans investment management, corporate leadership, and strategic development, enabling Certares to provide hands-on support and proprietary insights to its portfolio companies.