Our Team
With a combined 100+ years’ experience working in travel, the KAI team is well equipped to provide you with the necessary tools to make you a ‘rock star’ in the industry. Our passionate and dedicated professionals compliment the diverse portfolio.
Dave Kartagener, President
Having grown up in the industry, Dave has always had a passion for travel. He went on his first safari at the age of seven and has been exploring the world ever since, having now visited more than 50 countries. Since joining KAI as Marketing Manager in 2010, he has focused on building the KAI brand and fine-tuning our award-winning collection, while improving internal processes and operations. Some of Dave’s favorite things to do while traveling include meeting locals at neighborhood restaurants and enjoying live sporting events – both while sampling native beer, wine and spirits of course!
Email me at: david@kainyc.com
Follow along: @dondeestadk
Andrew Finn, Vice President
It was not until returning from a four-year backpacking adventure around the globe that Andrew decided to pursue a career as a travel professional. Since then he has had the incredible opportunity to work with and befriend countless industry professionals from all sides of travel. A firm believer that the best education comes with an open mind and conversations with new friends, Andrew is always happy to discuss travel ideas and dreams. Although Andrew left a piece of his heart in the backpacking world, he very much enjoys luxury safari lodges, award winning hotels, and traveling in comfort.
Email me at: andrew@kainyc.com
Follow along: @afinnspiration
Jessica Rosen, Senior National Sales Manager
Jessica's fascination with travel began early; by the age of 16, she had visited all 50 states. Having parlayed that love of travel into a career, she has now traveled to 40+ countries. Jessica studied Hospitality Management at New York University and began her first job in travel at a luxury travel and lifestyle agency. This experience has equipped Jessica with a helpful understanding of that side of the industry while working alongside advisors at KAI. Jessica is always looking to enhance her world travel knowledge and explore new destinations. She’s always excited for unique travel experiences and enjoys getting off the grid. Some of Jessica’s favorite travel experiences include staying in an underwater suite in Dubai, visiting Angkor Wat in the pouring rain, riding a yak in Lijiang, China and night safaris in Borneo.
Email me at: jessica@kainyc.com
Follow along: @jessselyse
Sophia Hatchitt, National Sales Manager Asia
Sophia’s passion for Asia started when she interned at a resort in Okinawa, Japan before studying tourism at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Upon graduation, she moved to Singapore to work for a hospitality tech company. In the past 11 years she has held positions throughout the Hospitality industry, from Tour Operators to Tourism Boards but finds her career highlight thus far has been working with Destination Asia as she loves working with an innovative company that values authentic experiences.
Email me at: sophia@kainyc.com
Follow along: @sophiahatchitt_
Nicole Klope, Sales Support Manager
Nicole’s career in travel began when she joined KAI in 2018 after a long career in the service industry. Drawn to both the guiding principles of KAI and the lure of the exotics, it seemed like the perfect fit. She is an active traveler, preferring to spend the day walking and learning to sitting on a beach (although she enjoys that from time to time too!). When not at the office supporting the sales team, she enjoys reading, cooking, and dreaming/planning her next great adventure.
Email me at: nicole@kainyc.com
Follow along: @coliek
Henry Kartagener, Chairman
Henry’s interest in the travel industry started as an airline employee back in 1971 and he has been involved in the promotion of tourism to this day. After working for several airlines over 24 years, he launched KAI in 1995. “Watching the development of KAI into a market leader in the marketing & sales representation space was something I always considered my greatest achievement. However, I can now state with great certainty that my best decision in a lifetime of work was bringing my son David into KAI. He has taken KAI to the next level with new ideas and a far greater vision while building a first class team!”
Email me at: henry@kainyc.com
Claire Kartagener, Chief Financial Officer
Claire co-founded KAI with Henry in 1995 and currently serves as our CFO. She held various positions in the industry prior to starting KAI. She has been an avid traveler her entire life and counts her many trips to Africa and exploring India as some of her favorite travel experiences. In addition to travel, she also enjoys reading and spending time with her family, including five beautiful grandchildren.
Email me at: claire@kainyc.com
