The Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) has appointed new board members for its 70th year.
- Michelle Laverick steps up as the new chair of AWTE, succeeding Lindsay Garvey-Jones.
- Five new members join AWTE’s board, ushering in a fresh leadership phase.
- Debbie O’Neill and Jane Pinfold take key roles as vice-chair and events director, respectively.
- The board plans to support young women’s careers in the travel industry through various initiatives.
The Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE) is marking its 70th year by introducing a new board of directors, ushering in a phase of renewed leadership and strategic vision. Michelle Laverick, the commercial director at Marketing Radar, has been appointed as the chair, succeeding Lindsay Garvey-Jones. Laverick takes the helm after Garvey-Jones’s impactful two-year term, during which she guided the AWTE through significant developments.
Five new members have been welcomed onto the board, signifying a commitment to adaptability and progress. Jules Verne’s managing director, Debbie O’Neill, steps in as vice-chair, bringing with her a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives. Meanwhile, Scott Dunn’s sales manager, Jane Pinfold, re-joins the board, reassuming the pivotal role of events director, a position she has held previously with distinction. Yvonne Kinder from Aito enters the board as a co-events director, ensuring that the events are innovative and engaging.
Other notable appointments include Julie Murphy, the country sales manager for All Nippon Airways, as partnerships director. Ella Dunham, who heads marketing at Exsus Travel, is now the marketing director, and Manisha Blair, marketing manager from Classic Collection, takes charge as the membership director. These appointments reflect a strategic move towards enhancing partnerships and expanding the association’s reach and influence.
During the annual meeting, Laverick expressed her enthusiasm and honour in leading such a dynamic team, highlighting the invaluable contributions of her predecessor, Garvey-Jones. She emphasised the board’s focus on extending support to younger women navigating their careers in the travel industry, recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of female leaders in this sector.
The AWTE is determined to chart a forward-looking course with events and activities designed to foster personal and professional growth. This includes the rollout of a personal development programme, which was launched with great success in a ‘lunch and learn’ session. The new board aims to continue this momentum with further initiatives scheduled in the months ahead.
With its new board, AWTE is poised for an innovative and supportive future for women in travel.
