G Adventures has two new members of its executive leadership team, signifying 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.
Leah Shelly has been appointed Chief Community Officer, GTC (previously VP of People & Community Operations, G Adventures), while Michelle Hudema takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer, GTC (previously VP of Strategic Operations, G Adventures).
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.
“These two leaders exemplify what makes G Adventures extraordinary,” says Jeff Russill, CEO of the G Travel Community. “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.”
Leah joined G Adventures in 2011 and has since held several senior roles, including Director of Global Learning and Engagement and VP, People, Community and Operations. The newly created Chief Community Officer role reflects G Adventures’ unique people-first approach and commitment to community over convention.
Hudema joined G Adventures in 2008 and has worked across nearly every part of the business, from the “Boombox” contact centre to operations, revenue management, sales, and VP of Strategic Operations.
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