The Council of Australian Tour Operators has revealed an updated CATO Board composition for 2025-26 with familiar faces and fresh perspectives that highlight its continued commitment to Australia’s touring sector.
Board Chair Dennis Bunnik has been re-elected unopposed for a six straight term, reflecting his leadership, strategic advocacy and deep industry understanding.
Two new Directors have been welcomed to serve on the 2025-26 CATO Board: Amanda Highfield (Greece & Mediterranean Travel Centre) and Chris Hall (Globus family of brands).
Newly appointed Greece & Mediterranean Travel Centre General Manager Amanda Highfield brings extensive experience from senior leadership roles at Wendy Wu Tours and Bill Peach Journeys and a strong connection to the land supply sector.
Newly installed as the Globus family of brands’ APAC Managing Director, Chris Hall has more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience at APT as well as being the Co-Founder of boutique cycling tour company and CATO member Tour de Vines.
Five current Directors remain mid-term and were not up for re-election this year, including Vice Chair Lisa Pagotto (Crooked Compass), Aaron Zoanetti (Frontera Law), Ingrid Berthelsen (Evolution Travel Collective), Brad McDonnell (Entire Travel Group) and Sean Martin (G Adventures).
CATO Board Directors Martin Edwards (The Explorer Society) and James O’Donnell (The Travel Corporation) also return for another term in 2025-26.
CATO also acknowledged the contributions of Julie King (Julie King & Associates) and Yvette Thompson (Intrepid Travel), who chose not to stand for re-election this year.
CATO Managing Director Brett Jardine said: “Dennis’s reappointment and the continued service of our Directors provide crucial stability, while Amanda and Chris bring fresh insights at a pivotal time for the touring sector.”
“We are grateful for Yvette’s contribution over the past two years and extend our sincere thanks for her support.
“We also wish to recognise Julie King for her decade of dedicated service on the Board. Julie’s calm and considered approach during some of the industry’s most challenging periods, particularly throughout the COVID era, has been deeply appreciated, along with her long-standing support of CATO’s PR and communications efforts.
“We are excited about the direction ahead as CATO continues its important work exclusively representing tour operators and wholesalers,” Jardine added.
Find out more at cato.travel
