1000MTG bolsters leadership team to support global growth

By James Harrison

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 Corporate Travel Management (CTM) 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 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,” he said.

“We are confident that under the expert guidance of these new regional GMs and Global COO our business is well-placed to maximise on those opportunities in 2023 and beyond.

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,” Gray said.

Coming from the leisure sales and corporate travel sector, Alex Locke brings 25 years’ experience in relationship management, supplier sourcing and program optimisation 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,” Locke said.

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,” Shafer said.

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,” Constable said.

Featured Image: 1000MTG staff at a staff cruise | Supplied

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1000 Mile Travel Group 1000MTG Alex Locke Ben Ross Christy Shafer Craig Constable Lauren Gray Nicola Veltman