Collette, the oldest tour operator in the US, has announced the succession of Jaclyn Leibl-Cote to Chief Executive Officer of the organization, only the fourth CEO in the 106-year history, and its first woman. She is also the third generation of the Sullivan family to transition into the role.

Current Collette CEO, Dan Sullivan, Jr., who has led the Rhode Island-based tour operator, including its Canadian office in Mississauga, since 1990, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, effective immediately, where he will act as an advisor to Leibl-Cote and the Executive Team on the company’s overall direction and long-term strategy.

“This transition is the culmination of a comprehensive succession planning process to ensure leadership continuity and position Collette for continued growth,” said Sullivan. “Jaclyn has served as President and Chief Customer Experience Officer since 2018, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the organization. She successfully steered the company through a global pandemic, with Collette emerging stronger and more innovative than ever before.”

Leibl-Cote joined Collette in 2005, holding roles as tour guide, client care agent, product designer and strategist, head of marketing, and most recently as President and Chief Customer Experience officer. She has driven product line differentiation, developed an innovative customer experience platform, broadened the company’s leadership team, evolved a data-driven strategy, and cultivated a values-led culture.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Rhode Island and an MBA from Babson College. She is a member of the URI Arts & Sciences Advisory Council, Chairwoman of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Committee, and an avid supporter of many local and global non-profits.