Intrepid Travel has appointed Anu Karunatilaka as its chief technology officer to lead digital transformation across the company’s global operations.
Having been with Intrepid for 15 years, Karunatilaka’s knowledge and expertise will be critical in delivering leading technology to customers post-pandemic and supporting business growth.
The new role has been created to effectively implement Intrepid’s latest 2025 Digital Transformation Strategy across all functions of the business.
James Thornton, CEO at Intrepid, said that while the role traditionally centred around the day-to-day operations of the business, the real focus now is around digital transformation and how Intrepid will evolve its operations to become a digital-first company.
“Anu’s operational expertise and knowledge, along with his tenure within our business, will be pivotal to ensuring customers not only find it easy to plan and book their trips with us, but love interacting with our brand,” Thornton said.
Karunatilaka began his journey with Intrepid in 2007 as a software architect, through a consultancy firm contracted by the company, before taking up a full-time position as software development manager in 2010.
After stepping into an integration role, he successfully integrated all of Intrepid’s joint venture companies onto a single tech platform, and then led the creation of the company’s key operating system.
These successes led to Karunatilaka being appointed Intrepid’s global head of software development. Following this, he made the move to Sri Lanka, leading a team of tech specialists at the Sri Lanka Service Centre, before also leading Intrepid’s destination management company (DMC) on the ground, as the first general manager for Sri Lanka.
Karunatilaka was then appointed Intrepid’s regional general manager for North and South Asia, and most recently was managing director for Asia.
In the new role, he will continue to be based in Colombo but will travel frequently to Melbourne and other regional centres.
Karunatilaka will be responsible for the design, development, security, delivery, and management of technology to support Intrepid’s business needs and growth strategies. Leading a global team, he will ensure strong customer service and reliable systems and infrastructure for all facets of the business.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this newly created role of chief technology officer,” said Karunatilaka.
“My focus will be on ensuring all functions of the business are tech-integrated, from how we sell, market, engage and interact with our customers, to ensuring data is at the forefront of all decision-making.
“I look forward to working with the wider team to implement a strong digital strategy, and continue Intrepid’s leadership in this space.”
“Appointing a non-Melbourne-based C-role reflects my desire to see more leadership roles in different markets as we grow internationally,” added Thornton.
“Our digital transformation will need to be both deep and rapid to successfully enable material advancement for the business and will require a significant change management process across the entire business.”
“We have aspirations to be the first $1 billion dollar adventure travel company, and technology leadership will play a crucial role in driving us towards this goal.”
Karunatilaka will commence his new role in December.
