Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton has been named CEO of The Year at the CEO Magazine’s 2024 Executive of the Year Awards in Sydney.
The honour recognises a leader who has made the most significant contribution to their organisation, industry, and the broader Australian business community.
Thornton was also named CEO of the Year in the Consumer and Lifestyle category, while Intrepid Travel was runner-up for the 100% Human at Work Award.
“I’m truly humbled by this award and proud to see our approach to doing business recognised as leading,” Thornton said. “Our goal is to create more opportunities for connection, impact and positive change. This honour recognises all our Intrepid people who make the work happen every day. I’m also delighted with the recognition for our travel category of small-group, sustainable-experience rich travel, up against some of the biggest travel & lifestyle brand names.”
In 2023, Thornton steered Intrepid Travel to deliver a record financial and impact result, posting a net profit of $21.8 million – a $47.7m turnaround from 2022, while contributing a record $4.6m to charitable and community causes.
Thornton is a passionate believer in purpose-driven business and the B Corp movement. In 2023, Thornton urged his team to take steps to deepen impact and signed up as an early adopter of the United Nation’s Forward Faster initiative under the living wage and climate action goals. The company introduced changes that mean in 2024, Intrepid will achieve the living wage goal across its entire global workforce, comprising 2,900 staff. Intrepid operates in 114 destinations, has offices in 29 countries and whose team is made up of close to 80 nationalities.
Also recognised on the night was Australian cricketing legend and philanthropist Glenn McGrath, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work with the McGrath Foundation. This raises funds for McGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support and care to individuals and families experiencing breast cancer.
