Corporate Travel Management Appoints Ana Pedersen as Permanent Managing Director and Group CEO Effective July 2026

Ana Pedersen’s Extensive Leadership and Industry Expertise

Ana Pedersen offers extensive senior leadership experience spanning the global corporate travel, hospitality, and technology industries. According to the company update, she has accumulated over 20 years in senior roles within the global corporate travel sector. Her career reflects a strong track record in managing complex commercial environments and spearheading strategic growth initiatives across multinational organisations in competitive markets.

Prior to joining Corporate Travel Management in October 2024, Ms Pedersen held prominent executive roles at leading travel companies. She spent 16 years at BCD Travel in executive positions across Australia, Asia, and North America, leading major growth initiatives and global client programs. She later served in senior executive roles at HRS Group, including Global CEO for Government, Insurance and Crisis Solutions, where she expanded global government and insurance business lines and achieved sustained revenue growth. Ms Pedersen holds an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, complementing her extensive practical experience.

From Acting CEO to Permanent Leadership at Corporate Travel Management

Ms Pedersen took on the Acting Group CEO role on 2 February 2026 during what the company describes as a particularly challenging period. The Board praised her for providing "steady and considered leadership" while managing complex and difficult circumstances with professionalism and composure. Her leadership maintained a strong focus on client service and workforce support, underscoring her commitment to CTM’s core operations amid uncertainty. Her permanent appointment, effective 23 July 2026, reflects the Board’s confidence in her ability to guide the company through ongoing challenges.

Before becoming Acting Group CEO, Ms Pedersen was CTM’s Global Chief Commercial Officer starting October 2024. In this role, she was responsible for the Group’s global commercial strategy and revenue performance, overseeing sales, account management, supplier relations, partner networks, and client-facing technology. This experience provided her with deep insight into CTM’s business model and market dynamics.

Corporate Travel Management’s Global Presence and Business Model

CTM operates globally with offices in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Asia, and Europe. Headquartered in Brisbane, Queensland, at Level 9, 180 Ann Street, the company delivers corporate travel solutions to multinational clients. Its revenue is generated through sales, account management, supplier partnerships, and technology-driven client services.

Ms Pedersen’s prior role overseeing global sales, account management, supplier relations, and technology platforms highlights CTM’s diversified service delivery across multiple regions. This broad footprint positions CTM competitively within the global corporate travel sector, where managing client and supplier relationships and operational efficiency across geographies is critical. The appointment of experienced leadership underscores the importance of sustaining client trust and commercial performance internationally.

Board Endorses Ms Pedersen’s Strategic Leadership for CTM

Chairman Ewen Crouch commented on the Board’s evaluation, stating that since assuming the Acting Group CEO position, Ms Pedersen "has provided steady and considered leadership during what has been a particularly challenging period for CTM." He noted her ability to "navigate difficult and complex circumstances with professionalism and composure," while maintaining focus on client delivery and employee interests. This endorsement signals strong Board confidence in her operational and strategic capabilities.

The Board also affirmed Ms Pedersen’s role in positioning CTM "for long-term success" beyond current challenges. The update highlights the Board’s belief that she is "the right person to lead CTM through its current challenges," balancing immediate operational demands with sustainable growth objectives. This reflects the Board’s positive assessment of her interim performance and suitability for permanent leadership.

Details of Ana Pedersen’s Remuneration and Employment Terms

Ms Pedersen’s remuneration package includes a fixed annual salary of $1,200,000, covering base pay, statutory superannuation, and director fees. This guaranteed compensation aligns with market standards for senior executives in the global corporate travel industry.

Her FY26 Short-Term Incentive (STI) opportunity is $500,000 (50% of fixed remuneration), rewarding annual performance targets. The Long-Term Incentive (LTI) opportunity is $1,000,000 (100% of fixed remuneration), designed to align with shareholder value creation. The FY26 STI and LTI awards were granted prior to her permanent appointment, with future LTI grants subject to shareholder approval.

Employment Agreement and Termination Provisions

The service agreement for Ms Pedersen’s role as Managing Director and Group CEO stipulates an ongoing employment term with a six-month notice period for termination by either party. In the event of a change of control, CTM must provide 12 months’ notice. This structure offers enhanced job security during ownership transitions while retaining flexibility under normal conditions.

CTM may opt to pay in lieu of notice partially or fully. Immediate termination without notice or payment is permitted for cause, including negligence or misconduct. These provisions align with standard executive contract practices, balancing company protections and reasonable notice obligations. The appointment is effective on or around 23 July 2026.

CTM’s Approach to Current Challenges and Strategic Outlook

Ms Pedersen acknowledged the company’s current challenges, stating: "I am pleased to continue leading CTM, and our focus is on advancing our priorities with discipline and clarity, while working toward fair and timely outcomes for those affected." This indicates CTM is managing complex issues impacting multiple stakeholders and is committed to resolution.

She emphasized dedication to "delivering for our clients and supporting our people, who are at the heart of our business," highlighting client retention and employee engagement as strategic priorities. Looking ahead, Ms Pedersen noted, "We know there is more to do, and we are doing everything we can to make meaningful progress," signaling ongoing efforts to resolve challenges and advance company goals. Her permanent appointment signals CTM’s intent to rely on established leadership rather than interim or external options.

Industry Context Surrounding CTM’s Leadership Transition

The corporate travel management industry operates within a dynamic global environment shaped by business travel trends, economic conditions, and technology adoption. Corporate travel is a major expense for multinational companies, with firms like CTM providing essential services such as travel booking, expense management, duty of care, and supplier management. Industry performance correlates closely with global economic activity and corporate travel spending across CTM’s operating regions.

Ms Pedersen’s extensive background with major industry players BCD Travel and HRS Group equips her to manage sector-specific challenges including supplier relations, client retention, revenue growth, and technology-driven service delivery. Her appointment during a challenging period underscores the critical need for experienced leadership to maintain competitive positioning and navigate operational complexities in the global corporate travel market.

Investor Considerations Following the Leadership Appointment

Investors should watch for further clarity on the "challenging circumstances" CTM is addressing, as referenced by Chairman Crouch and Ms Pedersen. The company’s mention of "difficult and complex circumstances" and efforts toward "fair and timely outcomes for those affected" imply ongoing issues requiring resolution, though details remain limited. Future updates may disclose material developments impacting CTM’s financial performance, client relationships, or operations. Ms Pedersen’s focus on "meaningful progress" suggests forthcoming milestones as strategic initiatives advance.

The remuneration package, particularly the $1,000,000 LTI opportunity, aligns leadership incentives with shareholder interests. Investors will likely assess whether Ms Pedersen’s leadership translates into improved operational results, client retention, and financial performance in upcoming reports. Her proven track record in global travel sector leadership signals management’s confidence in CTM’s ability to overcome current challenges and pursue growth. Stakeholders should continue monitoring disclosures for detailed financial and operational insights as the company navigates this period.