Travel tech company, TRAVLR, recently announced the appointment of former ABC managing director, Michelle Guthrie (featured image), as the new chair of its board, alongside advisor and investor, Matt Berriman taking the role of non-executive director.
The announcement comes after TRAVLR’s recent $6.7 million pre-series B cap raise and struck a deal with BBC Global News to launch a travel marketplace.
The new board will work with TRAVLR’s CEO, Simon te Hennepe, to expand the company’s brand into the US and UK markets.
Guthrie brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the media, entertainment and technology industries.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I join the team at TRAVLR where I can draw on my experience to support the achievement of TRAVLR’s vision to change the way people discover, book, and experience travel in Australia and around the world,” she said.
“Media companies are always looking for ways to engage with their potential and existing audiences by continually diversifying their offering in an ever-changing competitive environment.
“Never before have I seen such a unique and progressive opportunity to bring brand content to life and drive new revenue streams for the media industry,” said Guthrie.
Guthrie’s sentiments were echoed by Berriman as he also sees huge potential for growth at TRAVLR.
“TRAVLR is a revolutionary platform with endless reach opportunities and unique
technological capabilities,” he said.
“Our growth trajectory is testament to the growing demand for media brands to create tailored experiences which speak directly to travel-hungry audiences.
“TRAVLR is on the fast track to becoming a leader in travel technology and I look forward to supporting its innovation to achieve long-term global success,” said Berriman.
Alongside the BBC, TRAVLR has recently established partnerships with Network 10 (10Travlr.com.au) and Stuff.co.nz, (Stuff Travel), alongside launching the MTV Travel (MTVTravel.com) and Nickelodeon Travel (NickTravel.com) platforms.
With travel resuming in Australia over the next few months te Hennepe said that it was the optimal time to drive the TRAVLR business forward ahead of what he anticipates to be a busy 2022 travel season.
“We are extremely fortunate to welcome industry leaders Michelle Guthrie and Matt Berriman to the TRAVLR business, who will be instrumental in driving TRAVLR’s current and future growth,” he said.
“Our extended partnership with global leader ViacomCBS is testament to our commitment in supporting iconic media brands to deepen their engagement with audiences looking for the ultimate travel experience, curated especially for them, in Australia and around the world,” said te Hennepe.
