Under Canvas Taps Hospitality Veteran to Lead Next Era of Growth

DENVER, CO – April 29, 2026 – Under Canvas, a leader in the upscale outdoor hospitality sector, today announced a significant leadership transition, appointing seasoned travel industry executive Noah Brodsky as its new Chief Executive Officer. The move signals a strategic acceleration for the company as it aims to solidify its dominance in the booming luxury glamping market.

Brodsky succeeds Matt Gaghen, who, after a transformative four-year tenure as CEO, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman for the remainder of 2026 before joining the company's Board of Directors.

A New Era of Leadership

Noah Brodsky steps into the role with a formidable two-decade track record of scaling premium, experience-focused brands across the global hospitality landscape. His appointment is a clear indicator of Under Canvas's ambition to not only expand its physical footprint but also to deepen its brand equity and innovate the guest experience.

Most recently, as Chief Commercial Officer at Lindblad Expeditions, Brodsky was responsible for the global commercial strategy of the renowned expedition cruise line. Before that, he was a key architect in the evolution of Travel + Leisure Co., where he served as President of the Travel + Leisure Group and Chief Brand Officer. There, he led the company's rebranding, launched a subscription travel club, and oversaw the pivotal acquisition of the Travel + Leisure brand itself.

His expertise in customer loyalty is particularly notable. During his time as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Loyalty and Customer Engagement at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, he spearheaded the acclaimed relaunch of the Wyndham Rewards program, which was backed by a $100 million global marketing campaign. This deep experience in building direct consumer relationships and loyalty will be critical as Under Canvas competes for a growing base of discerning travelers. Brodsky's career also includes leadership roles at WeWork and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, rounding out a resume that touches nearly every facet of modern hospitality, from brand management to digital innovation.

“Under Canvas has created something truly distinctive in travel – immersive stays that combine the wonder of the outdoors with elevated design, comfort, and hospitality,” said Mr. Brodsky in a statement. “With a growing portfolio rooted in iconic locations and a guest experience that feels intentional at every touchpoint, the brand is exceptionally well positioned to meet increasing demand for more meaningful, place-based travel.”

Building on a Foundation of Growth

Brodsky inherits a company on a steep upward trajectory, largely shaped by his predecessor. Since taking the helm in 2020, Matt Gaghen has overseen a period of unprecedented expansion, transforming Under Canvas from a niche glamping operator into a scaled, multi-brand hospitality platform with 17 properties.

Under Gaghen’s leadership, the company successfully broadened its appeal by diversifying its portfolio. This included the 2023 launch of ULUM, an ultra-luxury outdoor resort brand whose debut location in Moab, Utah, quickly earned Two MICHELIN Keys in 2024, signaling its arrival in the upper echelon of hospitality. In 2025, the company introduced The Outdoor Collection, a curated line of distinctive nature-based properties like The Fields of Michigan and Bar N Ranch in Montana, further expanding its market reach. This strategic diversification allows the company to cater to a wider spectrum of travelers, from those seeking the classic safari-tent experience to those desiring a more resort-style stay.

“Over the past several years, Under Canvas has expanded into 17 landmark destinations, including the launch of ULUM, a luxury, outdoor resort brand, and the Outdoor Collection,” said Mr. Gaghen. “As Under Canvas looks ahead, I’m confident Noah is the ideal leader to carry that same commitment forward while helping Under Canvas continue to innovate and redefine how guests from around the world experience the outdoors.”

Capitalizing on the Glamping Gold Rush

The leadership change comes at a pivotal moment for the outdoor hospitality industry. The global glamping market, valued at nearly $3.8 billion in 2024, is projected to surge to over $10 billion by 2033, according to industry analysts. This "glamping gold rush" is fueled by a fundamental shift in consumer preferences, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z travelers who prioritize unique, immersive, and Instagram-worthy experiences over traditional hotel stays.

The demand is for travel that offers a genuine connection to nature without sacrificing comfort. Under Canvas has positioned itself perfectly to capture this market, with its safari-style tents featuring king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, and daily housekeeping, all set against the backdrop of America's most iconic national parks. This strategy has proven effective in a competitive landscape that includes design-forward players like AutoCamp, with its Airstream-centric model, and a host of other operators vying for the attention of experience-hungry consumers.

Furthermore, the growing emphasis on sustainable and wellness-oriented travel aligns with the company's "light footprint" development philosophy. Its new Yosemite location, for instance, is the state's first DarkSky Approved lodging experience, a designation that highlights its commitment to preserving the natural environment.

The Road Ahead: Expansion and Innovation

With strong financial backing from private equity firm KSL Capital Partners, a specialist in travel and leisure investments, Under Canvas is well-capitalized for its next phase of growth. A $50 million capital investment announced in 2025 is already being funneled into elevating the guest experience and expanding access to new destinations.

The company's expansion is strategic and nationwide. Following the opening of its first California camp near Yosemite, Under Canvas is set to plant its flag in the Northeast with the upcoming June 2026 opening of Under Canvas White Mountains in New Hampshire. This move signals a clear intent to become a truly national brand with a presence in all of the country's key outdoor recreation hubs.

Brodsky's appointment is the capstone on this strategy. His expertise in scaling brands, driving commercial growth, and leveraging digital platforms will be instrumental in navigating the competitive landscape and realizing the company's ambitious vision. As travelers increasingly seek meaningful escapes in nature, Under Canvas, under its new leadership, appears poised to not just participate in the market's growth, but to actively define its future.