Maren Marcelis
Partner | Marketplaces, TravelTech & ClimateTech
Product & Tech Leadership, US West Coast
Maren Marcelis is Key Search's US Partner based in California, specializing in Product and Technology leadership and GTM hiring for early-stage and high-growth companies. A former talent leader at Booking.com and GetYourGuide, she bridges the European and US tech ecosystems with a coaching-led approach.
Trusted by
Specialties
Typical Roles
Geographic Focus
Articles by Maren Marcelis
Before You Post the Job: Strategic Decisions for Your First Cross-Atlantic Hire
Most European founders make critical strategic mistakes before their first US executive search even opens. Here’s what to decide before you post the job.
Strategic Agility in TravelTech: Navigating Volatility and Disruption
Few industries have faced the kind of existential turbulence that TravelTech has over the last five years. From pandemic shutdowns to the revenge-travel boom, to AI disruption and sustainability pressure, the ability to anticipate change and pivot has never mattered more for travel and hospitality leaders.
Why Smart Leaders Plan Their Careers the Way They Plan Their Travel - Even When Things Are “Fine”
Designing a career with intention Many of the founders, VPs, and senior leaders I speak with are in a strong place in their careers. Their companies are performing well, their roles have meaningful scope, and there is a clear sense of forward momentum. Interestingly, this is often when the most thoughtful career conversations begin. […]
Empowering Growth Through Executive Search for Startups
Strategic hiring that fuels early-stage transitions Early-stage startups face unique pressures: scaling fast, operating lean, and staying competitive in a shifting landscape. Executive search plays a critical role in supporting this growth. It brings precision to leadership hiring, helping startups identify top-tier talent that aligns with their vision and accelerates business maturity. In this […]
Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers in Tech
The tech industry has long been lauded for its fast-paced innovation, but it remains an industry where gender disparities in leadership persist. Women aspiring to leadership roles face unique challenges, including structural biases, societal expectations, and workplace cultures that have historically favored men. However, progress is being made as more women break through these […]
You should speak with Maren if…
- 1You are a US-based startup looking for your first Product or Technology leader.
- 2You are a European company expanding your leadership footprint in the US West.
- 3You need a search partner who understands the specific nuances of the TravelTech or marketplace sectors.
- 4You value a relationship-driven approach that combines technical understanding with executive coaching.