G Adventures expands executive leadership team

G Adventures has added to its executive leadership team, appointing Leah Shelly as Chief Community Officer, GTC (previously VP of People & Community Operations, G Adventures) and Michelle Hudema to the role of Chief Operating Officer, GTC (previously VP of Strategic Operations, G Adventures).

The appointments mark a new chapter of growth and strategic evolution for G Adventures and its sister brands within the G Travel Community (GTC), including G Touring (Travelsphere and JustYou) and TruTravels.

As CCO, Shelly will lead the people and culture strategy across the G Travel Community, while Hudema as COO will continue to oversee revenue management, central operations, business intelligence, business operations while also taking on responsibility for global tour operations and buying for all GTC brands.

Both bring deep company knowledge, strong leadership, and a shared passion for community and G Adventures’ purpose of changing lives through travel.

Jeff Russill, CEO of the G Travel Community, said: “These two leaders exemplify what makes G Adventures extraordinary. They’ve grown through the business, know it inside and out, and continue to drive us forward with innovation and purpose. The growth that we have achieved across the GTC calls for broader strategic leadership, cross-brand collaborations and new ideas at the top.”

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and chairman of the GTC added: “Leadership development and investment in our people is incredibly important to me and the GTC. We are the best in the world at building communities, and it all starts with our people. When you have the best people, you have the recipe for success, and Leah and Michelle are two of the most respected leaders in our business. Welcoming such talented and passionate women to the C-Suite marks an exciting and necessary change, where fresh ideas and new perspectives will help us to evolve and grow, while keeping our people and purpose at the centre of everything we do.”

The appointments follow the successful completion of a major shared services transformation across the GTC brands and reflect the company’s continued commitment to developing leaders from within and preparing the organization for its next phase of growth and acquisitions.

Go to www.gadventures.com for more.