Away has appointed Jessica Schinazi as CEO in a planned leadership transition, with co-founder and former CEO Jen Rubio shifting into the role of executive chair.
The move signals the luggage brand’s push to evolve beyond its direct-to-consumer origins and scale through new partnerships, product lines and customer engagement strategies.
Schinazi joined Away as president in late 2024 after holding executive roles at Dyson, Amazon, LVMH and Richemont.
She takes the helm as the company expands both its product range and distribution footprint, having recently launched its first soft-sided luggage collection and entered retail partnerships with Nordstrom and Amazon.
“This transition is a natural next step for Away,” said Rubio. “Jessica is the right leader for this moment—bringing fresh energy, bold ideas, and the operational focus to lead us into our next chapter.”
The brand is looking to build on its momentum after a year of growth in new product categories, with its bag offerings increasing 16% year over year in 2024.
Away also recently announced it would maintain current pricing despite broader industry pressure from changing tariff rates.
Rubio had served as CEO since 2021 following a period of instability marked by multiple leadership changes.
Co-founder Steph Korey stepped down in 2020 amid controversy surrounding workplace culture, and her successor Stuart Haselden exited after a brief tenure, prompting Rubio to return to steady the brand.
With Schinazi at the helm, Away is now positioning itself for long-term brand building, retail expansion, and deeper customer connection, marking a new era for the travel goods company launched in 2015.
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