1000 Mile Travel Group bolsters leadership team to drive growth
Independent travel advisor network, 1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG), is bolstering its leadership team with the introduction of new roles to support its global growth strategy.
Following the company’s acquisition by global travel leader Corporate Travel Management (CTM) Group in July 2022, 1000MTG has launched its host agency model in the US market and continues to focus on expanding its independent travel advisor network in the UK and Australian markets. Central to that growth strategy is building out a highly experienced, focused leadership team in each market to steer strategic growth in-region.
1000MTG’s founders and CEOs Ben Ross and Nicola Veltman announced the appointment of four new leadership roles;
• SVP and General Manager, North America – Christy Shafer
• General Manager, Australia – Lauren Gray
• General Manager, UK – Alex Locke
• Global Chief Operating Officer – Craig Constable.
Ross explained the importance of local market leadership talent to delivering on the company’s growth goals. “Each market we operate in brings unique opportunities and operational nuances. We are confident that under the expert guidance of these new regional GMs and Global COO, our business is well-placed to maximize on those opportunities in 2023 and beyond.
“Under this leadership team, we’ll be introducing standardized platforms and systems for corporate travel business owners across all regions, creating seamless access to worldwide travel content, and developing regionally relevant partnerships that support the unique travel needs of each region and customer segment – all while delivering more streamlined experiences for our travel advisors and their clients,” said Ross.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, including 6 years leading CTM’s corporate, leisure, and host agency travel segments, Christy Shafer brings extensive travel management expertise to 1000MTG North America. “I’m extremely excited to step into this role as we establish 1000 MTG’s place as a leader in the North American host agency market. This role provides an exciting opportunity for me to combine my passion and experience across corporate, leisure, and host agency models, and to lead a highly skilled and accomplished team of travel professionals who are committed to providing expert support to our travel advisor network and their customers,” says Shafer.
Lauren Gray, an experienced leader in the Australian corporate travel market managing small to medium-sized businesses, said she is excited by the entrepreneurial spirit of 1000MTG and believes the future is bright for its people and customers. “I’m excited by the entrepreneurial approach of 1000 Mile Travel and its growth outlook. The company provides a unique opportunity for travel experts to take charge of their future as an independent business owner. Now, with the backing of CTM’s proprietary technology and global buying power, it’s a really exciting time to join the network,” says Gray.
Coming from the leisure sales and corporate travel sector, Alex Locke brings 25 years’ experience in relationship management, supplier sourcing, and program optimization to 1000MTG in the UK. “So many talented and experienced travel advisors are seeking a new way of working. 1000 Mile Travel’s independent advisor model fills that need perfectly, without compromising on customer service excellence, knowledge and skills, and the innovative technology that corporate customers need and expect,” says Locke.
Travel industry veteran Craig Constable steps into a new position as Global COO, leveraging his 30+ years of global travel industry experience spanning the Australian, Asian, and UAE markets. Constable played a significant role in driving 1000MTG’s growth and operational transformation in Australia, supporting the business through its recent acquisition, and establishing the brand in UK and US markets. “This is an exciting time for the 1000 MTG business, our agent network, and our customers. With the support of our expanded global leadership team, I’m excited to be able to lead our global operational strategy and deliver enhanced solutions to our independent travel advisors through consistent platforms, technology, and support,” said Constable.