As part of the changes, current global GM of experience, Charles Knowlton, will move into the newly created role of GM Back-Roads and COO. Current CMO, George Shuttlewood, will step into the newly created role of GM Topdeck & Grasshopper and CMO. Both roles will report to London based managing director, Ed Pettitt.
Current GM APAC, Anna Fawcett, will take the newly created role of GM global sales and relocate to the USA. She will lead the growth of Back-Roads, known as Blue-Roads in North America, while retaining oversight for APAC.
Supporting this evolution, newly appointed director of sales APAC, Trevor Thwaites, assumes responsibility for leading the Australia and New Zealand market sales function.
The move sees dedicated leadership teams and brand specific BDMs return for Back-Roads, across Australia and New Zealand, strengthening day to day support for trade partners as the brand continues its rapid growth.
Back-Roads has more than doubled in size since Covid, driven by growing demand for authentic, small group travel experiences.
The changes will also enable Topdeck to move faster in the youth travel space, with a dedicated brand team focused on responding to market opportunities and building stronger relevance with the next generation of travellers.
Gabby Oliver remains BDM in NZ with a focus Back-Roads, while also supporting Topdeck where needed.