G Adventures Names New Chief Community Officer & Chief Operating Officer

G Adventures has promoted two of its members to C-suite roles, expanding its senior executive leadership team.

Leah Shelly has been named the new chief community officer, GTC. In this role, she will lead the people and culture strategy across the G Travel Community. Shelly has been with the tour operator for 14 years, and most recently served as vice president of people and community operations, G Adventures.

G Adventures also named Michelle Hudema chief operating officer, GTC. She will oversee revenue management, central operations, business intelligence, and business operations, as well as global tour operations and buying for GTC brands. Another long-time team member, she’s been with the company since 2008, and most recently held the position of vice president, strategic operations, G Adventures.

“These two leaders exemplify what makes G Adventures extraordinary,” said Jeff Russill, CEO of the G Travel Community. “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.”

The new appointments reflect the company’s strategic growth and the evolution of its sister brands within the G Travel Community portfolio, which includes G Touring (Travelsphere and JustYou) and TruTravels. The executive expansion follows a successful shared-services transformation across the GTC portfolio.

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

“We are the best in the world at building communities, and it all starts with our people. When you have the best people, you have the recipe for success, and Leah and Michelle are two of the most respected leaders in our business,” he added. “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.”