APPOINTMENTS
Sean Russo/Virgin Voyages
Sean Russo has been promoted to Director of Sales, Canada for Virgin Voyages. Russo previously held the title of Sales Manager, Canada. The appointment comes as the cruise line plans to increase its presence and team in the Canadian market.
Under his leadership the First Mate community in Canada has grown tremendously. Based on 2025 sales, more Canadians than ever have climbed into the adults-only cruise lines’ Top 100 of top performing First Mates, including the first Canadian in the Top 10.
Erin Oddleifson/VoX International
VoX International is enhancing its leadership team with the promotion of Erin Oddleifson to Vice President. Oddleifson was previously Director, overseeing administration, public relations, marketing, sales, operations and human resources.
In her new role, Oddleifson will drive the execution of the company’s vision, identify growth opportunities and manage operational procedures, while continuing to provide strategic leadership to all account teams with a continued focus on leading the marketing strategy for VoX’s clients. A seasoned travel industry professional with more than 30 years of experience, Oddleifson has been part of the VoX team since 2022.
Erin is a highly respected industry professional, having held senior management positions with various travel companies, including director of marketing for Transat Tours Canada, and previously with Canada 3000 and Signature Vacations.
Sébastien Lauzière & Wolf Paunic/Wingbuddy
Wingbuddy has appointed Wolf Paunic as Director of Business Development and Sébastien Lauzière as Manager of Business Development. Both will play key roles in supporting Canadian travel advisors and advancing the company’s rapidly growing B2B strategy.
With more than 25 years of experience in guided vacations, river cruising, destination marketing, sales team development and distribution strategies, Paunic brings a strategic vision and deep understanding of travel advisor needs that will strengthen Wingbuddy’s presence in the market and elevate trade support.
Meanwhile, Lauzière brings 20 years of experience in Sales, Business Development, and B2B Account Management — including 10 years in the travel market. His strong reputation across Canada, combined with his proven ability to grow brands, particularly in Quebec, will play a key role in strengthening Wingbuddy’s relationships with travel agencies.
Sandro Ragogna/Choice Hotels Canada
Choice Hotels Canada has appointed Sandro Ragogna as its new Chief Financial Officer.
Contributing to the company’s efforts to continue bolstering its growth following Choice Hotels International’s full acquisition of Choice Hotels Canada earlier this year, in this role, Ragogna will lead accounting, financial operations, franchise planning and agreements, contract administration, procurement and Environmental, Social, and Governance, IT/administration, and privacy and legal functions. Reporting to the CEO, Brian Leon, he will be based out of the Choice Hotels Canada head office in Mississauga.
Ragogna brings two decades of financial leadership across a range of ownership structures, including family-owned, private equity-backed and multinational companies. He previously held senior leadership roles at Hays, a workforce solutions and recruitment company, Multy Home, a global manufacturer of outdoor living products, and chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and holds a degree in Economics and Business from Wilfred Laurier University.
Ryan McElroy/Worldia
Worldia has announced that industry expert Ryan McElroy has expanded his role with the company as strategic advisor with the mandate to accelerate its North American growth, online and offline distribution strategy, and market expansion.
Working directly with Worldia’s founding team, McElroy will support the brand’s accelerated push into the United States and Canada while bringing new capabilities, new partnerships, and expanded adoption across travel agencies, travel advisors, consortia, and strategic supplier networks.
Steven Larkin/Intrepid Travel
Stuart Morcombe/Transat Distribution Canada (TDC)
Transat Distribution Canada (TDC) has announced the appointment of Stuart Morcombe as Manager, Business Development and Network Support.
In his new role, Morcombe will oversee the organization, planning, and growth of TDC’s franchisee and affiliate business across Canada (excluding Quebec). He will focus on contract management and member engagement, while ensuring brand compliance and operational excellence. He will also play a key role in helping members maximize preferred partner sales and agency profitability.
Morcombe brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the Canadian travel and customer experience sectors, with a strong background in sales, marketing, and strategic growth. He has held senior roles with leading organizations including T.Comm/Advantage Travel (later Thomas Cook, now part of TDC), Vasco and Gamma Travel and Xperigo, where he specialized in account management, contract negotiation, and marketing.
Morcombe also founded Not the Status Quo, a consultancy dedicated to innovative problem-solving for the travel industry. He is also an active contributor to the industry community, having served as past president of Skâl Toronto and as a volunteer leader with Scouts Canada.
Jordan Harris/TTC Tour Brands
Jordan Harris has joined TTC Tour Brands as the new Sales Manager for Alberta and Manitoba.
Based in Calgary, Harris brings a blend of marketing experience at Allergan Aesthetics, frontline travel industry work with WestJet and concierge experience in Puerto Vallarta.
With extensive personal travel and a passion for storytelling, connection, and culture, Harris is eager to support advisors and build strong partnerships across the Prairies.
Canadian travel advisors can connect with Harris at [email protected] for sales support, training, product updates, and partnership opportunities.
Leah Shelly & Michelle Hudema/G Adventures
G Adventures has announced two new additions to its executive leadership team. Leah Shelly has been appointed Chief Community Officer, GTC (previously VP of People & Community Operations, G Adventures), while Michelle Hudema takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer, GTC (previously VP of Strategic Operations, G Adventures).
The appointments mark an exciting new chapter of growth and strategic evolution for G Adventures and its sister brands within the G Travel Community (GTC), including G Touring (Travelsphere and JustYou) and TruTravels.
As CCO, Shelly will lead the people and culture strategy across the G Travel Community, while Hudema as COO will continue to oversee revenue management, central operations, business intelligence, business operations while also taking on responsibility for global tour operations and buying for all GTC brands. Both bring deep company knowledge, strong leadership, and a shared passion for community and G Adventures’ purpose of changing lives through travel.
