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Planned leadership transition positions Avalara to accelerate and scale its AI-driven innovation
DURHAM, N.C., May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avalara, Inc., the agentic AI leader in global tax and compliance, announced that Hugo Sarrazin has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Scott McFarlane, Avalara's co-founder and original CEO, will become an advisor to ensure Avalara's ongoing success, effective today.
Sarrazin will lead Avalara's global operations and strategy, focused on scaling the business, strengthening execution, and advancing innovation for customers and partners worldwide. This transition preserves continuity while sharpening Avalara's focus on execution and innovation in its next phase of growth. Sarrazin will also join Avalara's Board of Directors.
"I'm excited to join the leader for tax and compliance that leverages proprietary data and deep domain expertise to deliver intelligent, dynamic solutions for customers worldwide," said Sarrazin. "Avalara is helping define how AI agents can automate and simplify compliance at global scale and already has a leading AI-powered platform and market presence that few companies can replicate. The opportunity now is to accelerate innovation even further, turning that advantage into more seamless outcomes for customers and partners globally."
Sarrazin has more than 30 years of experience building and scaling global software and technology businesses, with a strong track record of execution, innovation, and customer focus. He most recently served as President and CEO of Udemy, where he scaled the business through product-led and inorganic growth, advanced AI-driven innovation, and led the company through its sale to Coursera.
Prior to Udemy, Sarrazin was President and Chief Product and Technology Officer at UKG, where he led cloud transformation initiatives, expanded AI-driven solutions, and drove strategic acquisitions. He spent 26 years at McKinsey & Company, advising global organizations on digital transformation and M&A, and co-founded McKinsey Digital Labs.
McFarlane co-founded Avalara in 2004 and has led the company for more than two decades, growing it from a startup on Bainbridge Island, Washington, into the global leader in tax and compliance, supporting more than 1 million businesses worldwide. Under his leadership, Avalara pioneered cloud-based compliance, completed its 2018 initial public offering, and scaled into a global platform with more than $1.3 billion in annual revenue, an ecosystem of more than 1,400 integrations, and deep partnerships across ERP, ecommerce, and financial systems, while helping guide Avalara's evolution into an AI-first platform for tax and compliance.
"Avalara is stronger today than at any point in our history," said McFarlane. "We've built a category leader with real scale and a platform that's becoming more critical as tax and compliance grow more complex. The next chapter is about moving faster and delivering more for our customers and partners. Hugo brings the operational and technology leadership needed to accelerate what comes next."
Advancing AI in Tax and Compliance
Avalara continues to lead the evolution of tax and compliance through AI-driven innovation. Building on more than two decades of investment in tax content, regulatory coverage, and integrations, Avalara's platform processes tens of billions of transactions annually, helping businesses operate with greater accuracy and efficiency in an increasingly complex global environment. Through innovations such as Agentic Tax and Compliance™ and the Avalara LLM framework for agentic applications, Avalara is embedding AI directly into the compliance lifecycle—automating processes and enabling more consistent, real-time outcomes for customers.
About Avalara
Avalara is the agentic AI platform for global tax and compliance. For more than two decades, Avalara has built one of the most expansive libraries of tax content and integrations in the industry, processing more than 54 billion transactions annually and supporting millions of businesses worldwide. The company's purpose-built AI agents automate end-to-end compliance with greater precision, from tax calculations and return filings to exemption certificate management and beyond. For more information, visit Avalara.com.
Planned leadership transition positions Avalara to accelerate and scale its AI-driven innovation
DURHAM, N.C., May 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avalara, Inc., the agentic AI leader in global tax and compliance, announced that Hugo Sarrazin has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Scott McFarlane, Avalara's co-founder and original CEO, will become an advisor to ensure Avalara's ongoing success, effective today.
Sarrazin will lead Avalara's global operations and strategy, focused on scaling the business, strengthening execution, and advancing innovation for customers and partners worldwide. This transition preserves continuity while sharpening Avalara's focus on execution and innovation in its next phase of growth. Sarrazin will also join Avalara's Board of Directors.
"I'm excited to join the leader for tax and compliance that leverages proprietary data and deep domain expertise to deliver intelligent, dynamic solutions for customers worldwide," said Sarrazin. "Avalara is helping define how AI agents can automate and simplify compliance at global scale and already has a leading AI-powered platform and market presence that few companies can replicate. The opportunity now is to accelerate innovation even further, turning that advantage into more seamless outcomes for customers and partners globally."
Sarrazin has more than 30 years of experience building and scaling global software and technology businesses, with a strong track record of execution, innovation, and customer focus. He most recently served as President and CEO of Udemy, where he scaled the business through product-led and inorganic growth, advanced AI-driven innovation, and led the company through its sale to Coursera.
Prior to Udemy, Sarrazin was President and Chief Product and Technology Officer at UKG, where he led cloud transformation initiatives, expanded AI-driven solutions, and drove strategic acquisitions. He spent 26 years at McKinsey & Company, advising global organizations on digital transformation and M&A, and co-founded McKinsey Digital Labs.
McFarlane co-founded Avalara in 2004 and has led the company for more than two decades, growing it from a startup on Bainbridge Island, Washington, into the global leader in tax and compliance, supporting more than 1 million businesses worldwide. Under his leadership, Avalara pioneered cloud-based compliance, completed its 2018 initial public offering, and scaled into a global platform with more than $1.3 billion in annual revenue, an ecosystem of more than 1,400 integrations, and deep partnerships across ERP, ecommerce, and financial systems, while helping guide Avalara's evolution into an AI-first platform for tax and compliance.
"Avalara is stronger today than at any point in our history," said McFarlane. "We've built a category leader with real scale and a platform that's becoming more critical as tax and compliance grow more complex. The next chapter is about moving faster and delivering more for our customers and partners. Hugo brings the operational and technology leadership needed to accelerate what comes next."
Advancing AI in Tax and Compliance
Avalara continues to lead the evolution of tax and compliance through AI-driven innovation. Building on more than two decades of investment in tax content, regulatory coverage, and integrations, Avalara's platform processes tens of billions of transactions annually, helping businesses operate with greater accuracy and efficiency in an increasingly complex global environment. Through innovations such as Agentic Tax and Compliance™ and the Avalara LLM framework for agentic applications, Avalara is embedding AI directly into the compliance lifecycle—automating processes and enabling more consistent, real-time outcomes for customers.
About Avalara
Avalara is the agentic AI platform for global tax and compliance. For more than two decades, Avalara has built one of the most expansive libraries of tax content and integrations in the industry, processing more than 54 billion transactions annually and supporting millions of businesses worldwide. The company's purpose-built AI agents automate end-to-end compliance with greater precision, from tax calculations and return filings to exemption certificate management and beyond. For more information, visit Avalara.com.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Avalara Names Hugo Sarrazin Chief Executive Officer
Avalara Names Hugo Sarrazin Chief Executive Officer
HALONG, Vietnam, June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the growing global demand for immersive and eco-conscious luxury travel, Bhaya Cruises, one of Vietnam's leading cruise operators, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 Summer Collection. Featuring tailored all-inclusive packages across its premier brands, these high-value initiatives allow travelers to experience the dramatic landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay with unprecedented perks and premium flexibility.
True to its reputation for delivering experiential travel, Bhaya Cruises has structured this year's summer offerings to cater to both wellness seekers and culture enthusiasts. The promotions span across two of the operator's flagship vessels: the newly launched, wellness-centric Bhaya Soul, and the luxury eco-vessel, The Au Co.
Rejuvenating Escapes Aboard Bhaya Soul
For travelers prioritizing mindfulness and holistic relaxation, Bhaya Soul - recently honored as one of the Top 100 on TIME's World's Greatest Places 2026 list - introduces the Summer ALL-INCLUSIVE 2-day-1 night package. This weekend-friendly package delivers an elevated standard of intuitive hospitality, condensed into a high-impact overnight escape. Bhaya Soul voyages emphasize spatial comfort, panoramic ocean views, and specialized farm-to-table menus designed to nurture body and mind, complete with morning mindful walk, guided kayaking through hidden lagoons.
Guests booking this exclusive 2-day wellness getaway will enjoy premium seasonal benefits, including:
- Free Upgrade to the Next Suite Category (valued at USD 200)
- Free Round-trip transfer between Hanoi and Halong (valued at USD 80)
- $50 Drink Credit onboard
Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Luxury on The Au Co
Complementing the wellness-focused voyages, The Au Co Summer Privilege package makes a return for the summer season. Celebrated for its unique steel-hulled design and long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism, The Au Co offers families, couples, and groups an upscale exploration of Ha Long Bay's iconic geological wonders.
This summer, guests choosing to sail on The Au Co will benefit from an extensive stay extension and exclusive inclusions:
- Free 1 Night Hotel Stay in Hanoi (valued at USD 80)
- Free Round-trip transfer between Hanoi and Ha Long (valued at USD 80)
- $50 Drink Credit onboard
Seizing the Summer Advantage
This summer collection is designed to help travelers maximize their vacation investments without compromising luxury. By booking these seasonal rates directly, guests secure comprehensive inclusions - ranging from entrance fees to onboard activities.
Whether selecting a transformative wellness voyage on Bhaya Soul or embarking on a sophisticated cultural expedition on The Au Co, international and domestic voyagers are guaranteed an exceptional perspective of Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage site.
For seasonal availability, terms and conditions, or to lock in your preferred sailing dates, contact the Bhaya Cruises international reservation bureau directly.
About Bhaya Cruises
Established in 2007, Bhaya Cruises is a pioneer in luxury boutique cruising in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Managing a diverse fleet, the company seamlessly blends traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with contemporary safety standards and innovative, sustainable hospitality practices.
Email: sales@bhayacruises.com
Phone: +84 (0) 933 446 542
Website: bhayacruises.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Bhaya Cruises Introduces All-Inclusive Summer Promotions
Bhaya Cruises Introduces All-Inclusive Summer Promotions
