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Leadership Team


CTM Board

CTM Board

CTM Board

CTM Board

CTM Board

Kevin O’Malley

Chief Executive Officer, North America

Kevin O’Malley, appointed to CEO CTM North America after the announcement of CTM’s acquisition of Travel and Transport in October 2020, brings CTM clients and staff a tenured track record in business travel. Kevin has over 25 years of travel industry experience, having worked in several key strategic and senior roles.

Kevin joined Travel and Transport in 1994 and through a long tenure held critical positions with increasing strategic leadership responsibilities, eventually being named CEO of Travel and Transport in 2015. His leadership style, industry acumen, and genuine interest in the success of clients and staff make him an integral member of the CTM executive team looking toward a bright future.

Kevin is committed to advancing the travel industry, acting as advisory board member among several key industry groups, and also cultivates his local community by serving on several boards for Nebraska-based educational institutions and charitable foundations.

As CEO North America, Kevin is responsible for ensuring the highest level of personal service, innovation, and return on investment to our customers, while leveraging CTM’s global strategy to benefit our regional clients and staff.

Maureen Brady

Chief Commercial Officer, North America

Maureen Brady has proven success in business development, client solutions, and operational technology to deliver efficiencies, innovative supplier programs, and revenue growth.

Her tenured executive leadership is supported by previous executive roles in operations, global corporate acquisition integrations, and global business solutions stretching across three continents with multiple global travel management companies.

Maureen has an adept ability to strategically optimize operational efforts, as well as envision and implement agile infrastructures to lead the way for CTM’s lucrative business to thrive. Through her driven practices, she has contributed to the evolution of the corporate travel industry.

In her role as Chief Operating Officer and part of the executive committee at CTM North America, Maureen is responsible for driving CTM North America’s operational vision and strategy for CTM’s performance and growth.

Joel Bailey

Chief Technology Officer, North America

Joel Bailey is a travel industry leader with over 20 years of experience in product management, customer solutions, innovative technology solutions, and bringing new products and services to the market.

Joel joined the organization in 2014 after holding various leadership roles with global travel management and travel technology companies. Joel has a passion for developing innovative solutions that meet customer needs to solve their problems.

As CTO and part of the Executive Committee at CTM North America, Joel is responsible for driving CTM’s innovation strategy, as well as deploying market-leading travel technology that drives customer value and enhances the traveler experience.

Renee Bubke

Chief Financial Officer, North America

Renee Bubke joined the CTM organization in 2018, previously having worked in finance roles at Masco Corporation, Chrysler Group, and Ernst & Young.

In 2022, Renee assumed leadership of CTM’s Finance organization, preparing for her new role as CFO beginning in 2023.

Renee is based in Omaha, NE, and has proven herself an excellent leader and the right person to help move CTM forward in her expanded capacity.

Anita Salvatore

Chief Operating Officer, North America

Anita’s passion is a driving force and is instrumental in shaping, strengthening, and contributing to CTM’s overall global presence and financial performance. Known for fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, Anita excels in aligning teams with organizational goals. She is results driven and has a knack for identifying opportunities, navigating challenges, and implementing solutions that drive sustainable growth. As COO, Anita brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving transformation and operational excellence in a dynamic business environment.

As former EVP of Customer Success, Anita spearheaded customer-centric and operational initiatives by harnessing technology and data-driven insights to streamline processes and optimize customer engagement, support, and service. With a keen understanding of the market and placing the customer at the heart of every decision, Anita formulated and executed innovative strategies through cross-functional collaboration to ensure customers achieved their goals.

Anita’s strategic foresight has been a catalyst for success in her previous roles. With a career spanning over 30 years, Anita has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Anita rapidly progressed through the ranks, leaving an indelible mark in each of her executive leadership roles.

Anita is a founding member of Women in Travel (WINiT) and an active member of GBTA and a former board member of the Travel & Leisure Advisory Board.

Mary Ellen Hess

Executive Vice President, Business Development, North America

Mary Ellen (George) Hess is an experienced sales and marketing executive with a passion for technology and customer experience. In her role as Executive Vice President, Business Development, North America, Mary Ellen spearheads client acquisitions for CTM North America.

Mary Ellen joined CTM as a highly regarded travel industry professional with more than three decades of proven success in leading high-performance teams, product development, digital transformation, and superior results in bringing new solutions to the travel industry.

Mary Ellen’s accolades include recognition from WINiT by Global Business Travel Association’s Top 40 Women in Travel, as well as Skift’s Corporate Travel Innovators list. She also serves on the board of WINiT.

Prior to joining CTM, Mary Ellen held executive leadership roles within the travel industry at a highly advanced TMC platform technology company and three global TMCs.

As part of the CTM’s senior leadership team, Mary Ellen leverages her extensive travel industry knowledge integrating sales and marketing teams while achieving CTM North America’s growth goals.

Lisa Nasser

Chief Legal Officer, North America

Lisa began her career in private practice with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and general corporate matters, including contract review and negotiation.  She graduated from Creighton University and the University of Nebraska College of Law.

In her career at Travel and Transport, and then CTM after their acquisition, Lisa spent six years as Assistant General Counsel. In late 2021, she took the opportunity to lead the privacy and information governance programs at a regional bank, before returning to CTM.

As Chief Legal Officer and part of the executive committee at CTM North America, Lisa is responsible for managing legal risk for the North American organization.

Chris Shimokawa

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, North America

Chris Shimokawa is passionate about the employee experience and cross-company collaboration. Her HR philosophy aligns with CTM’s North Star – make people’s lives easier so they can focus on what matters.

Chris joined the organization in 2016. Throughout her 30+ year career, she has held key positions in various HR disciplines and has a track record of success executing effective HR initiatives. She volunteers with Foodbank of the Heartland and Project Harmony in Omaha.

In her role as SVP, HR and part of the executive committee at CTM North America, Chris is responsible for HR strategy, developing programs that optimize employee engagement and providing data insights to maximize CTM’s number one resource, our employees.

Erik Shor

Chief Partnership Officer

Erik’s journey in supplier relations began 10 years ago when he joined Ultramar Travel Management overseeing the air and ground categories. Erik served as Travel and Transport’s VP of Partner Solutions prior to Travel and Transport’s acquisition by CTM in 2020. Rounding out his experience, Erik also spent time working in regional and global sales at The Lufthansa Group, as well as holding various roles within BCD Travel.

Growing up in Rockaway Beach, Queens, and in the arrival and departure path of JFK, Erik developed a enthusiasm for flight and travel as a young boy. Erik is based in New York City where lives with his partner of 22 years, Paul, and their dog, Bradley.

Sarah D’Alessandro

Senior Vice President/General Manager, Operations

New York/New Jersey Region

Sarah D’Alessandro joined CTM in 2022 as Senior Vice President/General Manager overseeing the New York/New Jersey region.

D’Alessandro is an industry veteran with over 30 years in the business travel industry. Her experience includes leadership positions in operations at Direct Travel and, subsequently, BCD Travel, where she spent more than 20 years.

Most recently, Sarah served as Vice President, setting the operational strategy for $2.6 billion in global travel spend for a diverse and high-profile client portfolio spanning 70+ countries.

Amy DeSantis

Senior Vice President/General Manager, Operations

Northeast Region

Amy DeSantis has enjoyed over 10 years with CTM, having joined the organization in 2012.

After first leading the East region’s Account Management team, Amy was promoted to Senior Vice President/General Manager, Operations for the Northeast Region in 2022.

Prior to her time with CTM, Amy spent six years with FCM Travel Solutions as Business Development Manager

Carol Hall

Senior Vice President & General Manager, Mountain West Region

Carol is a driven customer experience executive and decisive leader with an extensive history of building, developing, and leading customer-focused teams.

Carol’s thirty years of business travel industry experience drives her success in managing client relationships, while implementing processes that foster team work, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction. She is a disciplined leader who excels in operations management, strategic planning, goal setting, interacting with customers and problem solving.  Carol’s outstanding interpersonal skills enable her to cultivate strong business relationships and to mentor and develop team members.

As part of CTM’s senior leadership team, Carol is responsible for sales, operations and account management for the Mountain Region of CTM North America, including P&L, staffing, and ultimate client retention responsibility.  She leads a strong team to deliver CTM service and technology solutions to each customer in a fast-paced, high-growth and diverse environment.

Christy Prescott

Chief Executive Officer, Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP)

Christy Prescott is a trailblazing entrepreneur with over 29 years of extraordinary success. Her tenured travel industry career is marked with innovation and leadership as she founded, guided, and earned a reputation as a visionary in the travel industry. As Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Corporate Travel Planners (CTP), now Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP), Christy built and expanded CTP into one of the largest privately-owned travel agencies before Corporate Travel Management (CTM) acquired the company in December 2019.

 

As Chief Executive Officer of CTP, she is part of CTM’s senior leadership team. Christy is responsible for managing CTM’s university clients’ relationships and strategic business direction.

 

Christy is passionate about philanthropy and founded her charity, Christy’s Hope for Battered Women and Children, over two decades ago.

Tami Reier

Senior Vice President & General Manager, ETM North America

Tami Reier was appointed to Senior Vice President & General Manager, ETM North America, in July 2021. She brings 30+ years of industry experience to ETM clients and employees and is dedicated to exceptional service, leadership, strategic vision, and growth-oriented results.

Tami joined the organization in 1999 as an accomplished meetings and events professional. Tami holds a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from Meeting Professionals International, a Certificate in Meetings Management (CMM) from Events Industry Council, and a Virtual Event and Meeting Management (VEMM) certificate from Events Leadership Institute.

Tami is a member of Cvent’s Partner Advisory Board and Meeting Professionals International’s Global Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking.

As part of CTM’s general manager team, Tami is responsible for bringing together all aspects of the meetings, events, and group air teams to deliver outstanding, customer-centric programs with an exceptional return on investment.

Karen Thorburn

Senior Vice President/General Manager, Operations

Karen Thorburn started her career with Corporate Travel Management in 2010, before her appointment as Senior Vice President/General Manager of CTM’s Pacific Region.

In her many years with the company, Karen has been an outstanding contributor operationally and with clients, and is well respected among the Pacific team, her peers, and CTM clients.

Penny Watermeier

Senior Vice President & General Manager, Central Region

Penny is a data-driven leader with proven success in multiple facets of the travel industry, a comprehensive understanding of change management, and a collaborative approach to offer differentiation in solutions.

She began her career in the travel industry in 1986 as a corporate travel counselor, quickly moving into leadership roles. Penny joined the organization in 1997, managing teams responsible for maintaining key client relationships. At the end of 2020, Penny was appointed to Senior Vice President / General Manager – Central region.

Penny has been an allied member of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) for several years. In conjunction with GBTA and the Wharton School of Business, Penny received her Global Leadership Professional® (GLP) Designation in 2010.

As part of CTM’s general manager team, Penny is responsible for sales, operations, and account management for the Central region.

Debbie Westlake

Senior Vice President, Operations and Service Excellence

Debbie Westlake joined CTM in 2022 in the newly created role of SVP, Operations and Service Excellence. Westlake oversees external and internal service strategy and delivery, including a focus on long-term, productive and profitable sustainability and growth.

Westlake spent 20 years at CWT, where she held a variety of leadership roles, most recently as VP, Traveler Services Support for the Americas, a position she held for 14 years that encompassed strategic planning, project management, workforce management, operational reporting, training, business continuity, real estate & facilities, technical business requirements, and client implementations.

Since departing CWT, Westlake held positions in operations leadership at Adelman Travel, Ciox Health, and Press Ganey.

April Wheeler

Senior Vice President, Customer Success

April is a driven customer experience executive and decisive leader with an extensive history of building, developing, and leading customer-focused teams.

Her accomplished tenure in the travel industry is paired with proven success in fostering efficiency and focusing on customer satisfaction. As a disciplined leader, she excels in operations management, strategic planning, goal setting, interacting with customers, and problem-solving.

April was appointed to SVP of Customer Success in 2021. In this role, April ensures that our customers get the best out of their relationship with CTM, via consistent communications, service, and solutions 

 

Angie Langen

Vice President, Marketing

With over 20 years in marketing, sales, and communications, Angie is passionate about communicating the CTM story, driving competitive marketing strategies, and creating meaningful interactions with our clients, partners, and the media.

She began her career as the Sales and Marketing Manager for Leisure Trends Group [now part of NPD Group], before joining CTM in 2006 as the Director of Marketing.

During Angie’s storied career with CTM, she has held many positions, including Communications Manager, Director of National Sales Support, and Executive Director of National Sales Support. Angie brings a wealth of team management experience, travel industry knowledge and sales insights.

In her role as Vice President, Marketing, Angie manages the CTM North America marketing strategy, strategic communications plans, establishing and maintaining CTM’s brand awareness, lead-generation, and customer engagement goals.

Evan Friedman

Executive Vice President, Strategic Sales

Evan Friedman is a consummate sales professional with more than 30 years of industry experience. His focus is on large-market business development in Financial, Professional Services, and High Fashion global opportunities. He strives to build and maintain strong relationships with customers.

Based in New York City, he is an integral part of the CTM’s global sales team.

He has earned the distinguished designation of Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (CHME) by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. Evan also sits on the Board of the Ritz Carlton Hotels and New York City Metropolitan Executive Alliance (New York City’s #1 Professional Business Networking Group), where he chairs the Speaker Committee.

Debbie Langen

Senior Vice President, Business Development, North America

Debbie Langen brings more than 20 years of experience in growing the CTM business. Focusing on large markets and global business development, she is passionate about building strong professional relationships and solving unique client problems.

Based in Florida, she is an integral part of the CTM’s global sales team.

As part of the CTM North America national leadership team, Debbie is responsible for supporting the North American sales team via training, mentoring, coaching, and strategy development.

Jamie Pherous

Executive Director, Managing Director

Director since May 2008

Jamie Pherous founded Corporate Travel Management Limited (CTM) in Brisbane in 1994. He has built the Group from its headquarters in Brisbane to become one of the world’s largest travel management companies.

Prior to establishing CTM, Jamie was employed by Arthur Andersen, now EY, as a qualified Chartered Accountant, specialising in business services and financial consulting, notably in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the United Arab Emirates.

 

Laura Ruffles

CEO ANZ / Asia / EU

Director since December 2015

Laura Ruffles is CTM’s CEO ANZ / Asia / EU. She has significant local, regional and global industry experience and, in a career of more than 30 years, has led teams across sales, account management, operations and technology. Laura is responsible for all aspects of CTM’s business performance across AU/NZ, Asia, and European regions as well as CTM’s technology offering. She joined CTM in 2010 and has been a key contributor to its successful growth. She is also a Director of the Australian Travel Industry Association.

James Patterson

Acting Global Chief Financial Officer

James Patterson joined CTM in January 2020 as Global Treasurer. Since then he moved to the role of General Manager Finance, and then to Acting Chief Financial Officer in 2023. He has over 20 years of experience, and has held senior finance roles in listed entities in the banking and transportation sectors. James’ corporate background includes banking, treasury and financial markets focussed roles, with exposure to M&A and project management.

James holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Certified Practising Accountant.

Shelley Sorrenson

Global Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary

Shelley Sorrenson joined CTM in November 2021 as Global Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary. Shelley is a pragmatic and commercially driven corporate legal and governance practitioner with over 14 years of experience. She has served as General Counsel and Company Secretary of ASX-listed and unlisted financial services companies and held roles at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and in private practice.

Shelley holds a Bachelor of Justice, Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws. Shelley is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Associate of the Governance Institute of Australia.

In her personal time, Shelley is also a Non-Executive Board Director of several not-for profit organizations with a focus on supporting women and disadvantaged youth.

Eleanor Noonan

Global Chief Operating Officer

Eleanor Noonan joined CTM in August 2022 as Global Chief of Staff, and in 2023 moved into the role of Global Chief Operating Officer. She has held various roles within travel, government and financial services, and most recently was Chief Operating Officer of a superannuation fund.

Eleanor is commercially driven, values focused and passionate about leading high-performance teams and inspiring stakeholders to support a clear people and business growth agenda. Eleanor is skilled in developing and executing customer-centric business strategies, leading large-scale change initiatives, and achieving operational excellence.

Eleanor holds a Master of Business and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Karen Janssen

Global Chief Information Officer

Karen has worked in the travel industry for 20 years. Starting out as a travel consultant, she progressed through her career in nine key positions across three different countries before finally becoming CIO with a major travel management company.

In March 2016, Karen joined Corporate Travel Management (CTM) as Project Manager MI and was promoted to Chief Information Officer Europe less than six months later. Since then, she has successfully overseen the implementation of CTM’s Global MI system and been a pivotal member of the organization’s technology transformation project team. In January 2022, Karen assumed the role of Global Chief Information Officer.

Richard Goldberg

Global Chief Data Officer

Richard Goldberg joined CTM in 2022 as Global Chief Data Officer. His responsibilities include leading the data strategy, data governance, data quality, MIS/BI reporting, and data management for the organization. Richard has over 25 years executive data management and technology experience. Prior to joining CTM, Richard was the Managing Director and Chief Data Officer at the Bank of China where he was responsible for standing up the Chief Data Office and positioning data as a corporate strategic asset.

Over his career, Richard has held various senior data leadership positions for many organizations including Bank of China, GE Capital, Citibank, and IBM.  Richard is a champion for leveraging the use of data to optimise the business experience for customers and enhance data capabilities for internal stakeholders.  Richard’s extensive accomplishments and experience in data leadership and management was recognized as he was selected as the 2022 dataIQ Top 100 Most Influential People in Data.

Tim Krueger

Global Chief Information Security Officer

Tim Krueger has worked in the IT industry for over 30 years. Throughout his career he has worked as a database administrator, developer and team lead and included various executive positions, including Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer.

Because of his broad experience across the IT industry, Tim quickly realised the importance of protecting company information assets and established one of the first security programs within the travel industry. He is accredited by the ISACA organization as a Certified Information Security Manager and has been for over 10 years.

Tim is passionate about sharing his experience and encouraging the continual development of the security industry and serves as a mentor and contributing member within the sector, including active participation as a member of the planning committee for local and regional IT and Security Symposiums.  In the beginning of 2023, Tim was recognized for his accomplishments and expertise and promoted to the Global Chief Information Security Officer for CTM where he oversees the ongoing oversight and governance of the corporation’s security, privacy and risk organization.

Annabel Ausmus

Global Chief Marketing Officer

Annabel Ausmus is an experienced marketing and communications professional with more than 20 years’ experience managing digital and traditional marketing strategy and implementation in both B2B and B2C disciplines. She is responsible for the CTM Group’s global marketing, communication and brand strategy across its portfoilio of travel brands.

Joining CTM in 2010, Annabel brings a wealth of travel industry marketing experience to CTM, having worked across corporate, leisure (luxury to budget brands), events, wholesale and loyalty travel for privately owned, listed entities and not for profit organizations.

Annabel holds a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, is a Certified Practicing Marketer (CPM) and an Associate Member of the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI).

Tracey Edwards

Event Travel Management - Global Strategic Lead and GM AU/NZ

Tracey has been with ETM since its inception in early 2011 and brings more than 30 years’ experience in the travel and event industry managing operations around the world, including three years living, establishing and growing an event business in China.
Over the past 8 years the ETM team, under Tracey’s leadership, has evolved from a localized specialist Sydney office to a global offering with more than 100 staff across the world, providing a range of expert event, meeting and group travel services. Tracey ensures the team are delivering event solutions that meet our clients’ diverse needs and are at the forefront of technological efficiency. These achievements have been recognized by the industry, including winning the AFTA award for ‘Best Business Events Travel Agency’ multiple times.

Lauren Hook

Head of Sustainability

Lauren Hook joined CTM as the Head of Sustainability in November 2023. She has a strong compliance, governance, and finance background both in Australia and internationally. In her previous roles, Lauren has led the risk, audit, and sustainability functions at an ASX-listed technology company and she has extensive airline and audit experience.

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Commerce, qualified as a Chartered Accountant, is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, and is a fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Ewen Crouch AM

Chairman

Independent Non-Executive Director

Director since March 2019

Ewen Crouch was a Partner at Allens from 1988 – 2013. He served as a member of the firm’s board for 11 years, including four years as Chairman of Partners.  His other roles at Allens included Co-Head Mergers & Acquisitions and Equity Capital Markets from 2004 – 2010, Executive Partner – Asian Offices from 1999 – 2004 and Deputy Managing Partner from 1993 – 1996. He was a director of Mission Australia from 1995, including as Chairman from 2009, until retiring in November 2016.

Mr Crouch is a Non-Executive Director of BlueScope Steel Limited (since March 2013) and Chair and Non-Executive Director of AnteoTech Limited (since April 2022). He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Chair and Non-Executive Director of RSL LifeCare Ltd (since October 2022) and a Director of Jawun (since September 2015). He served as a member of the Takeovers Panel from 2010-2015, as a member of the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal from 2015 – 2019, as a Director of Sydney Symphony Orchestra from 2009 – 2020 and as a Non-Executive Director of Westpac Banking Corporation from 2013 to 2019.

 

Jon Brett

Independent Non-Executive Director

Director since January 2020

Jon Brett  was formerly an executive director of Investec Wentworth Private Equity Limited, and an executive of Investec Bank (Australia) Limited. He was also the CEO of Techway Limited which pioneered internet banking in Australia.  Jon brings extensive strategic, board and management experience to CTM, particularly in the areas of finance and corporate advisory.

Jon is  currently Executive Chairman of Stridecorp Equity Partners, an AFSL licensed fund manager specialising in private equity. Jon is a Non-Executive Director of Mobilicom Limited (since September 2018). His former directorships include Godfreys Group Limited, The Pas Group Limited, Deputy President of the NRMA and Vocus Group Limited since its listing on the ASX.

Sophie Mitchell

Independent Non-Executive Director

Director since September 2019

Sophie Mitchell has over 30 years of corporate advisory, capital markets and equity research experience. She retired from Morgans in June 2019 after over a decade as an Executive Director in Morgans’ Corporate and, prior to this, she was Morgans’ Head of Research.

Sophie is a Non-Executive Director of Morgans Holdings (Australia) Limited, Firstmac Limited, Myer Family Investments Limited, and Tourism Holdings Limited, and Chairman of HealthcareLogic Global Limited (retired July 2023). She was a member of the Australian Government Takeovers Panel between 2009 and 2018.

Marissa Peterson

Independent Non-Executive Director

Director since October 2022

Marissa Peterson is President and CEO of Mission Peak Executive Consulting, a Silicon Valley leadership coaching business. She is based in the United States and brings extensive experience in governance, technology and digital transformation, and executive development.

Marissas’s extensive board experience includes past roles as Chairman of optical communications solutions company, Oclaro, between 2013 and 2018, and as a Non-Executive Director of ASX-listed Ansell, from 2006 to 2021. She has also been a Director of a range of US-based companies including Humana, Supervalu, Children’s Hospital of Stanford, Quantros and Covisint, and a Board Trustee of Kettering University.

Jamie Pherous

Executive Director, Managing Director

Director since May 2008

Jamie Pherous founded Corporate Travel Management Limited (CTM) in Brisbane in 1994. He has built the Group from its headquarters in Brisbane to become one of the world’s largest travel management companies.

Prior to establishing CTM, Jamie was employed by Arthur Andersen, now EY, as a qualified Chartered Accountant, specialising in business services and financial consulting, notably in Australia, Papua New Guinea and the United Arab Emirates.