Intrepid Travel Promotes Louise Laing to VP of USA Marketing

Intrepid Travel has named Louise Laing as the new vice president of USA marketing.

In the new role, Laing will be responsible for leading all U.S. marketing efforts across consumer, brand, media, and digital. Reporting to Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas, the marketing executive stepped into the role on July 28, 2025.

The tour operator said in a release that her appointment coincides with a restructuring of Intrepid’s North America team to better separate the U.S. and Canada operations as distinct regions. Tara McCallum will continue to lead marketing in Canada.

Laing first joined Intrepid in 2020 as general manager of marketing and PR for the Asia-Pacific region. She’s held various leadership marketing roles in her career, including her role as director of marketing (APAC) at G Adventures, marketing manager for North Asia for Great Southern Touring Route, and general manager marketing at Visit Ballarat.

Currently Laing is based in Melbourne, Australia, but will relocate to Seattle, U.S. in October.

“I’m excited to take on this new chapter in the U.S. and expand our brand to reach more local agents and travelers,” said Laing. “I’ve always believed great marketing starts with great storytelling—and Intrepid has one of the best stories in the world. I can’t wait to grow our passionate, local team and connect with more U.S. Agents and travelers.”

In her previous role at Intrepid, general manager of marketing for ANZ (2022 to 2025), Laing played a key role in developing the region’s post-pandemic strategy. According to Intrepid, Laing was instrumental in fostering double-digit growth and record sales in Australia and New Zealand.

“Louise is exactly the kind of bold, creative leader we need as we chart the next era of growth in the U.S.,” said Barnes. “She’s already proven what’s possible in ANZ—and now she’s bringing that energy, vision, and passion for purpose to the American market. This move is more than a promotion—it’s a sign of what’s to come as we evolve our leadership model to better serve our travelers, partners, and communities.”