In a landmark move set to redefine its growth trajectory, TravelManagers Australia, a division of House of Travel Australia (HOTA), has appointed two of the travel and aviation sector’s most respected leaders to its board. Judith Crompton and Narendra Kumar bring decades of expertise, reinforcing HOTA’s strategic vision as it looks to capitalize on expansion opportunities across Australia in 2025 and beyond.
Industry Veterans Take the Helm
CEO and Executive Director of HOTA, Joe Araullo, emphasized that selecting Crompton and Kumar marks a pivotal step in strengthening the company’s governance and operational expertise.
“Judith and Narendra’s remarkable industry backgrounds align perfectly with our ambition to expand beyond organic growth. Their appointment ensures that we have a powerhouse team steering HOTA towards new horizons.”
Their arrival follows the retirement of Barry Mayo (former Chairman) and Chris Paulsen (House of Travel founder), who stepped down in 2022 and 2024, respectively. This leadership transition aims to introduce fresh perspectives, particularly from an Australia-based, non-executive director, complementing the expertise of current board members David Coombes (CEO, House of Travel Group) and Keith Sutton (Chairman, House of Travel Group), both of whom are based in New Zealand.
A Powerhouse Duo with Global Expertise
Judith Crompton: A Trailblazer in Aviation & Travel
With over 30 years of experience, Judith Crompton has held senior executive and board positions across some of the most prominent companies in Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Her illustrious career includes key leadership roles at:
✔️ Cover-More Insurance
✔️ Virgin Australia
✔️ Qantas Airways
✔️ Etihad Airways
✔️ Flight Centre Travel Group
✔️ Kuoni Travel
Her expertise spans corporate strategy, insurance, aviation, and travel, making her a powerhouse addition to the HOTA Board. Crompton is also an active member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chief Executive Women, reflecting her strong leadership credentials.
Narendra Kumar: A Veteran in Aviation & Strategic Planning
Narendra Kumar, widely regarded as one of the most experienced executives in the Australian aviation sector, boasts an impressive 40-year career. Having spent nearly three decades at Qantas Airways, he has played an instrumental role in finance, operations, and fleet planning. His previous key positions include:
✔️ CEO of QantasLink Regional Airlines Group
✔️ Chief Financial Officer, Qantas International
✔️ Acting CEO, Qantas International
Kumar’s financial acumen and strategic leadership make him an invaluable asset for HOTA’s future plans. He is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Chartered Accountants in Australia & New Zealand, underscoring his governance and financial expertise.
House of Travel Australia Board: Left to Right – Keith Sutton, David Coombes, Judith Crompton, Joe Araullo, Narendra Kumar.
What This Means for TravelManagers Australia
Despite these high-level appointments, Araullo reassures stakeholders that the board’s restructuring will not impact the day-to-day operations of HOTA’s core brands, including TravelManagers Australia and Hoot Holidays. Instead, these changes will provide more decisive leadership oversight and drive long-term business growth.
Crompton and Kumar are expected to attend TravelManagers’ annual National Conference in Bali later this year, providing a platform to connect with the company’s dedicated network of personal travel managers.
“Judith and Narendra’s vast expertise will be instrumental in guiding us towards our next phase of expansion. We are excited to welcome them to the House of Travel Australia family, and we look forward to the insights and leadership they bring to the table,” Araullo concluded.
HOTA’s Vision: Strengthening Leadership for a Bright Future
HOTA has long been a dominant force in Australia’s travel industry, and the appointment of Crompton and Kumar signals a strong commitment to innovation, expansion, and corporate excellence. As the company gears up for 2025 and beyond, these appointments underscore a bold, strategic move to navigate the ever-evolving travel landscape.
With corporate governance, strategic growth, and industry innovation at the heart of its mission, HOTA is poised to elevate TravelManagers Australia and Hoot Holidays to new heights. Adding accomplished leaders further cements the company’s commitment to excellence and leadership in the travel sector.
For more information on HOTA and TravelManagers Australia, visit www.travelmanagers.com.au.
Written by: My Thanh Pham
