James Thornton named CEO of the Year

November 2024

Intrepid Travel’s CEO, James Thornton, has been named CEO of the Year at the at the 2024 Executive of the Year Awards in Sydney. 

This honour recognises a leader who has made the most significant contribution to their organisation, industry, and the broader Australian business community.  

Also recognised on the night was Australian cricketing legend and philanthropist Glenn McGrath, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work with the McGrath Foundation. This raises funds forMcGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support and care to individuals and families experiencing breast cancer.   

James was also named CEO of the Year in the Consumer and Lifestyle category. Meanwhile Intrepid was runner-up for the 100% Human at Work Award, which recognises the valuable contributions an organisation has made in shaping a future of work that is better for everyone, and one which embeds the core values of respect, equity, growth, belonging and purpose. 

Speaking to the accolade, James said: “I’m truly humbled by this award and proud to see our approach to doing business recognised as leading. Our goal is to create more opportunities for connection, impact and positive change.

This honour recognises all our Intrepid people who make the work happen every day. I’m also delighted with the recognition for our travel category of small-group, sustainable-experience rich travel, up against some of the biggest travel & lifestyle brand names.”  

Key highlights of James’ leadership: 

• In 2023, James steered Intrepid Travel to deliver a record financial and impact result, posting a net profit of $21.8 million – a $47.7 million turnaround from 2022, while contributing a record $4.6 million to charitable and community causes.  

• James is a passionate believer in purpose-driven business and the B Corp movement. In 2023, James urged his team to take steps to deepen impact and signed up as an early adopter of the United Nation’s Forward Faster initiative under the living wage and climate action goals. The company introduced changes that mean in 2024, Intrepid will achieve the living wage goal across its entire global workforce, comprising 2,900 staff. 

• James’ approach is reflective of the diversity within Intrepid, which operates in 114 destinations, has offices in 29 countries and whose team is made up of close to 80 nationalities. In Intrepid’s most recent employee engagement survey, 90% of staff reported that Intrepid creates a diverse and inclusive environment for all people, and in 2023, Intrepid achieved its best eNPS score of 58, reflecting its team’s likeliness to recommend Intrepid as an employer of choice.   

• Transparency, accountability, and engagement is core to James’ approach in building strong and positive relationships with stakeholders. James shares a monthly video, along with an update on how the company is tracking against its goals and a deeper insight into his thinking as CEO. Intrepid also publishes an Integrated Annual Report each year, which transparently reports on its financial results alongside progress in the areas of people, environment, social and relationships, and customer.