Intrepid Travel has named Hazel McGuire as its new chief marketing officer, succeeding chief customer officer Leigh Barnes as he prepares to relocate to Seattle to take up his new role as the Australian travel company’s president of Americas.

McGuire, who joined Intrepid in 2022 to head up UK sales and marketing, will remain based in London, reporting directly to CEO James Thornton. She commences the new role on 1 April 2025, with her responsibilities to encompass leading the global Brand, PR and Communications, Customer, and Experiences departments.

McGuire brings 20 years of experience in the travel and transport industries to the role, and a proven track record – under her leadership the UK team saw a 60% revenue growth in 2023 compared to 2019, and recorded its biggest month of sales in January 2025.

“Hazel embodies our Intrepid values of ambitious, real, together and impactful and I’m thrilled to promote her to Chief Marketing Officer – a clear reflection of the talent and vision we have within our team,” said Thornton. “Hazel’s depth of experience in the travel industry and her proven success leading our UK business positioned her as the perfect candidate to realise Intrepid’s global growth ambitions. I wish both Hazel and Leigh every success as they transition into their new roles.”

“This is a dream role, not only in the travel industry but in global business. My goal is to identify the big opportunities that will help us realise Intrepid’s 2030 strategy,” said McGuire. “Leigh Barnes has done an amazing job growing our talented global team and I am committed to continue building on our shared vision to be the best travel company for the world.”

Intrepid Travel has set its sights on becoming a $1 billion business by 2030, with a focus on brand-led marketing and ethical marketing as a certified B Corp. The company recently made its biggest acquisition to date with Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen.

As McGuire steps into her new role, Intrepid Travel will begin the recruitment process to fill the General Manager, UK Sales and Marketing position that she will vacate.