Intrepid Appoints CFO, Shuffles Executive Team as It Gears Up for Future Growth

Intrepid Group has appointed Michael Burnett as its first chief financial officer since the company’s return to private ownership in 2015.

Burnett most recently served as chief financial officer of Helloworld, where he oversaw the transformation of the Australian Stock Exchange-listed business.

Burnett will join Intrepid in January 2020, and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.

He will be among a newly assembled senior management team that will be responsible for implementing Intrepid’s 2025 strategy: To become the global vertically integrated leader in sustainable, experience-rich travel, with revenues of $1 billion, and with purpose embedded as a guiding principle.

Earlier this month, Intrepid announced Brett Mitchell’s promotion from managing director APAC to chief commercial officer, in which he is now responsible for all regional sales and marketing offices.

The senior management shuffle will also see other significant changes to Intrepid’s top team.

Natalie Kidd will expand her role from managing director of PEAK DMC to become Intrepid’s chief operating officer. Kidd will now manage Intrepid’s third-party operators, as well as the company’s commitment to B Corp and becoming climate positive through its responsible business team.

Chief Purpose Officer Leigh Barnes will take on the new role of chief customer officer, responsible for customer experience, digital, brand, as well as advocacy on issues that are important to Intrepid’s customers, communities, and workers. 

Recruitment for the new role of chief people officer will commence by the end of the year.

“The growth of Intrepid has always been driven by the passion of our staff, so as we grow and evolve, it’s incredibly satisfying to be able to provide new opportunities to people who share our vision of changing the way people see the world,” said Intrepid’s Chief Executive Officer James Thornton.

The B Corp certified business is set to celebrate its fourth consecutive year of record growth and profitability. In 2018, Intrepid reported 17% growth in revenue and an EBIT result of almost $15 million.