Ex-Helloworld exec to join Intrepid as its first CFO since 2015

Ex-Helloworld exec to join Intrepid as its first CFO since 2015
By Alexandra Coulton


Helloworld’s Michael Burnett has resurfaced just one day after announcing his departure from the company’s CFO role.

As of 2020, Burnett will be Intrepid Group’s first chief financial officer since the company’s return to private ownership in 2015.

He joins the B Corp company just as it is set to celebrate its fourth consecutive year of growth and profitability, according to a release from Intrepid.

In 2018 the company reported a 17 per cent growth in revenue and an EBIT result of almost $15m.

“As we grow to become a truly global business, we wanted a financial leader who can accelerate our transformation,” says Intrepid’s chief executive officer James Thornton.

“Not only does Michael bring a wealth of expertise to Intrepid, he also shares our commitment to balancing purpose and profit.”

Burnett will be part of Intrepid’s newly assembled senior management team that will be responsible for implementing the company’s 2025 strategy to grow the market for sustainable, experience-rich travel.

Earlier this month Intrepid announced Brett Mitchell’s promotion from managing director APAC to chief commercial officer, now responsible for all regional sales and marketing offices.

The senior management shuffle will also see other significant changes to Intrepid’s team:

  • Natalie Kidd will expand her role from managing director of PEAK DMC to become Intrepid’s chief operating officer. Kidd will now manageIntrepid’s third party operators as well as the company’s commitment to B Corp and becoming climate positive through its responsible business team.
  • Chief purpose officer Leigh Barnes will take on the new role of chief customer officer, responsible for customer experience, digital, brand, as well as advocacy on issues that are important to Intrepid’s customers, communities, and workers.
  • Recruitment for the new role of chief people officer will commence by the end of the year.

Thornton said the 2025 strategy and senior leadership changes not only recognise the considerable opportunities that Intrepid has to grow its vertically integrated business globally, but also the importance of its people to that growth.

Intrepid now has more than 2,300 staff and tour leaders across more than 40 offices around the world.

“I’m thrilled to have assembled such an experienced and dedicated senior team to lead our business into the future,” Thornton said.

“The incredible growth of Intrepid has always been driven by the passion of our staff, so as we grow and evolve it’s incredibly satisfying to be able to provide new opportunities to people who for share our vision of changing the way people see the world.”

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