Intrepid Travel, a certified B Corp and a leader in responsible travel, has appointed Payton Iheme as its Chief Impact Officer. This newly created role will see Iheme leading the company’s global sustainability and impact initiatives, as well as its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation.

Iheme will be based in Washington D.C. and will report directly to Intrepid Travel’s CEO, James Thornton.

Her appointment is part of Intrepid’s 2030 strategy to strengthen its foothold in the U.S. market. With a diverse background, including senior policy and advocacy roles at Facebook and Bumble, and senior positions within the U.S Senate and President Obama’s administration, Iheme brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

“I’m delighted to welcome Payton to our team, after an extensive, global search process. Payton is a dynamic, values-driven business leader who has a diverse background of experiences across the public and private sectors and will bring a new perspective at this crucial time in our history as we seek to double down on the U.S. market as part of our 2030 strategy,” said James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel.

“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,”

Intrepid Travel, founded in 1989, reported annual revenues of more than $621m in 2023. The company has been a participant in the UN Global Compact since 2008 and has adopted eight Sustainable Development Goals. It became carbon neutral in 2010 and was the first global tour operator with verified science-based carbon reduction emission targets in 2020. Intrepid Travel was named one of the World’s Most Influential Companies by TIME in 2023.

“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,” said Iheme.

“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.”

The Intrepid Foundation, the company’s not-for-profit, has raised more than $15.5 million for over 160 partners.