G Adventures says its recent expansion of the company's executive leadership team ushers in a chapter of "growth and strategic evolution."
Leah Shelly, previously vice president of people and operations for G Adventures, is now chief community officer of G Travel Community (GTC). Michelle Hudema, the former vice president of strategic operations for G Adventures, is now COO of GTC.
Michelle Hudema, the former vice president of strategic operations for G Adventures, is now COO of G Travel Community. Photo Credit: G Adventures
GTC is a sister brand to G Adventures, along with G Touring and TruTravels. The appointments come after the completion of a major shared services transformation across the GTC brands, the company said.
Shelly will spearhead the company's people and culture strategy while Hudema will continue overseeing revenue management, central operations and business operations. Hudema is also responsible for global tour operations and buying for all GTC brands.
"These two leaders exemplify what makes G Adventures extraordinary," said Jeff Russill, CEO of the GTC. "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."
Leah Shelly, previously vice president of people and operations for G Adventures, is now chief community officer of G Travel Community. Photo Credit: G Adventures
Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures and chairman of the GTC, said Shelly and Hudema are "two of the most respected leaders in our business."
Shelly joined G Adventures in 2011 and has held several senior roles, including director of global learning and engagement and vice president of people, community and operations. The company credited her as "a driving force in defining and sustaining the company's award-winning culture, employee experience and leadership development programs."
Hudema has been with the company since 2008, working across most parts of the company. As vice president of strategic operations, she played a significant role in system and process transformations. She is a designer of the company's Ripple Score, which measures the money left behind locally on every G Adventures trip.