Intrepid Travel has appointed Payton Iheme to the newly created role of chief impact officer.
Based in Washington DC, she will lead Intrepid Travel’s global sustainability and impact initiatives as well as its not-for-profit organisation, the Intrepid Foundation.
Intrepid said Iheme is “passionate” about advocating for a better, safer and fairer world and will be responsible for developing and delivering the operator’s global impact strategy.
She previously held senior policy and advocacy roles at Facebook and, most recently at dating app Bumble, where she was vice-president and head of public policy.
Iheme has also served in senior positions at the US Senate and within President Obama’s administration, working on technology, science and cyber policies, among other areas, following a successful career in Army civil affairs.
She was appointed after a global search process and will report to Intrepid Travel’s chief executive, James Thornton.
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He said: “Payton is a dynamic, values-driven business leader who has a diverse background of experience across the public and private sectors and will bring a new perspective at this crucial time in our history as we embark on our 2030 strategy.
“We believe the world needs more Intrepid people and Payton will drive forward issues and causes that we know matter to our global community of connected and conscious travellers.”
She added: “Intrepid’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel and I believe we can truly bring communities together and help build a stronger and more equitable world.
“I’m honoured to join Intrepid at this crucial moment when we’re seeing too many companies divesting from ESG, DEI, and climate and conservation programming, as well as leaders shying away from advocating for the critical issues impacting so many communities around the world.
“As part of Intrepid Travel’s leadership team, I intend to bring my voice, my vision, and my energy to advocate on these issues and more.”
Intrepid became carbon neutral in 2010 and went on to become the first global tour operator with verified science-based carbon reduction emission targets in 2020.
It was among the first travel companies to appoint a dedicated responsible travel role in 1999 and removed elephant rides from its itineraries in 2014.