G Adventures promotes two to executive leadership team

G Adventures announced two C-suite appointments as it expands its executive leadership team and “accelerates growth”.

Leah Shelly has been promoted to the newly created chief community officer role for the G Travel Community (GTC). She was previously VP of people and community operations vice-president for G Adventures.

Michelle Hudema becomes GTC chief operating officer, stepping up from her role as strategic operations vice-president for G Adventures.

The company said the appointments “mark an exciting new chapter of growth and strategic evolution for G Adventures and its sister brands within the G Travel Community (GTC), including G Touring (Travelsphere and JustYou) and TruTravels”.

Shelly will lead the people and culture strategy across the G Travel Community, while Hudema will continue to oversee revenue management, central operations, business intelligence and business operations while also taking on responsibility for global tour operations and buying for all GTC brands.

Hudema joined in 2008 and has worked across nearly every part of the business. Shelly started at G Adventures in 2011 and has since held several senior roles.

Jeff Russill, chief executive of the G Travel Community, said: “They’ve grown through the business, know it inside and out, and continue to drive us forward with innovation and purpose. The growth that we have achieved across the GTC calls for broader strategic leadership, cross-brand collaborations and new ideas at the top.”

Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and chairman of the GTC, added: “Leadership development and investment in our people is incredibly important to me and the GTC.

“Leah and Michelle are two of the most respected leaders in our business. Welcoming such talented and passionate women to the C-suite marks an exciting and necessary change, where fresh ideas and new perspectives will help us to evolve and grow, while keeping our people and purpose at the centre of everything we do.”