Navan, a travel and expense specialist, has expanded its presence in Europe, operating over 20 offices across the continent, including in Paris, London, Berlin, and Lisbon. The company employs over 2,000 people in the region, out of a global workforce of about 4,000.
Chief Customer Officer Michael Riegel discussed the scale of the expansion at the Navigate26 event in Paris, stating that Navan had only 23 customers in Europe in 2018, but now has over 3,000 customers in the region.
Riegel, co-founder of Berlin-based travel management start-up Comtravo, which was acquired by Navan in 2022, emphasized the importance of adapting to local markets. He noted that replicating a US playbook would not work in Europe, where specificities and concerns, such as security and data privacy, differ from those in the US.
Riegel highlighted the example of rail travel, which is complex and important in Europe, particularly for cross-border journeys. Navan has built partnerships with local players to match these needs, with over 150 suppliers headquartered in Europe.
Navan has leaned heavily on local roots in Europe, as well as in other markets like India. Riegel recalled that Navan understood the need to deeply invest in and understand the local market, recognizing that each country has its unique characteristics.
This approach has extended to acquisitions, with long-time Reed & Mackay chief executive Fred Stratford and Giovanni Tiradritto, founder of Italian TMC Regent International, continuing with the group after their companies joined Navan in 2021 and 2024, respectively.
Riegel emphasized the importance of adaptation and attentiveness, listening to users and responding to their needs. He stated that Navan is willing to make changes and adapt to become a leading player in the market, with the mission of making travel easy for every traveler.
He also stated, “Our mission as I said is like making travel easy for every traveler and we are still far from that … then we need to continue to adapt.”