The Council of Australian Operators (CATO) has elected its board members for the next 12 months, with a record 11 nominees vying for six vacant positions.

At the council’s annual general meeting earlier today, Sundowners Overland managing director Liz Anderson was elected unopposed as CATO’s vice chair for the next two years.

Furthermore, Sno’n’Ski Holidays boss David Walker was re-elected to serve his third consecutive term on the board.

The four new members of CATO’s board are Aaron Zoanetti (associate partner, Pointon Partners Lawyers), Lisa Pagotto (founder and director, Crooked Compass), Brad McDonnell (CEO, Entire Travel Group), and Peter Douglas (head of sales, Globus family of brands).

The newly-elected members join current chair Dennis Bunnik (Bunnik Tours), along with Brett Mitchell (Intrepid Group), Amanda McCann (Collette) and Julie King (Julie King & Associates), who are all mid-way through their two-year terms.

Board members ending their stints at CATO are Halina Kubica (Greece & Mediterranean Travel), Matt Cameron-Smith (AAT Kings) and Justine Waddington (Encounter Travel).

CATO managing director said it was only a few years ago that the industry body was struggling to fill board positions.

“So, to have a record-breaking field of high-quality candidates seeking to join the board now is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“It speaks to how engaged the members are and how important CATO membership has become, especially during this COVID crisis.”

Jardine said the four new members joining CATO’s board for next two years offer a good balance of youth, capability and experience from a cross-section of its membership.

Acknowledging the efforts of the council’s departing board members, Jardine said: “The CATO board is a very active one, and I would like thank the outgoing board members deeply for their considerable contribution and input to CATO.”

Featured image: iStock/Portra