Intrepid Travel Restructures North American Leadership Team

Intrepid Travel’s Matt Berna and Tom Smith. (Photo Credit: Intrepid Travel)

Intrepid Travel has announced significant changes to its senior leadership team for North America in an effort to continue its growth in this key market.

The changes will see current Chief Customer Officer Leigh Barnes transition to the role of President of the Americas while Canadian travel industry veteran Christian Wolters has been appointed to a newly created position of President of Canada.

Barnes will assume his new role in January 2025 and be tasked with leading all aspects of the region, including operations, sales and marketing. Meanwhile, Wolters will assume his position effective July 1, 2024.

President of Americas, Matt Berna, will transition to become Senior Vice President, U.S. Sales & Operations and Global B2B External Sales while Tom Smith will take over the role of General Manager, Central America & Mexico. Berna will focus on the development of Intrepid’s domestic operations, including Intrepid-owned Wildland Trekking, U.S. B2B sales and global business development for Intrepid’s DMC network.

“Intrepid’s brand has grown exponentially in North America – from our first tiny office in California over 20 years ago to our fastest growing region globally,” CEO James Thornton said in a statement. “Under this new structure, the Americas will play a key role in our ambitious growth strategy for 2030.”

“This structure will help take Intrepid to the next level in the Americas,” Thornton added. “We know that travel brings people together, opens hearts and minds and creates greater understanding. There has never been a greater need for this.”

“The world needs more Intrepid people and I believe this is the moment to double down on our opportunity in the USA and broader Americas region.”

The announcement comes one week after the adventure travel company appointed French hotel veteran Celine Hurelle to lead its expansion into hotels and accommodation.

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