Intrepid Travel is pleased to announce the promotion of Hazel McGuire to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), where she will lead the company’s global marketing and growth strategy.
Currently serving as General Manager of UK Sales and Marketing, McGuire’s appointment follows a global recruitment campaign. This role became available after Leigh Barnes, the former Chief Customer Officer, was appointed as President of the Americas.
As CMO, McGuire will report to CEO James Thornton and continue to be based in London, UK. She will oversee global teams across brand management, PR and communications, and customer experience— the latter being a new addition to her responsibilities.
With 20 years of experience in the travel and transport sectors, McGuire joined Intrepid in August 2022. She brings valuable knowledge to her new role and has already proven her leadership by successfully leading the UK business.
Commenting on McGuire’s promotion, James Thornton said, “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.”
He continued, “Hazel’s extensive experience in the travel industry and her success in leading our UK operations made her the perfect candidate to help achieve Intrepid’s global growth goals. I wish both Hazel and Leigh the best as they transition into their new roles.”
McGuire expressed her excitement about the promotion, saying, “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. Leigh Barnes has done an amazing job growing our talented global team, and I am committed to continuing to build on our shared vision to be the best travel company for the world.”
In February 2025, Intrepid made its largest acquisition to date by acquiring Dutch tour operator Sawadee Reizen. McGuire’s new role will officially begin on 1 April 2025, with recruitment for the UK Sales and Marketing GM role already underway.
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