The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has announced today that CEO Darren Rudd is leaving the organisation for personal reasons after 9 months in the hot seat.
In a press release released today, The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) announced that CEO Darren Rudd will leave the organisation, citing personal reasons.
No timings for Mr Rudd’s departure were given in the release, nor whether a permanent replacement will be appointed.
Speaking about the news, Chair Tom Manwaring said: “Darren’s time in the CEO’s role covers one of the most challenging periods for the organisation, our members and the wider tourism sector ever.”
“The AFTA Board wish to thank Darren for his contribution during this very difficult time but we understand and respect that this is the right decision for Darren.
“The AFTA Board has been heavily involved given the seriousness and scope of the COVID impact on our members, our sector and AFTA itself. We are all actively focussed on navigating our sector and this organisation through this on behalf of our members. All Directors have been and will continue to be active in engaging with Government at all levels to maximise support for our members.” He said.
Mr Rudd had been in the role for a turbulent nine months for the industry, starting at the end of June last year when he replaced former CEO Jayson Westbury who resigned in the wake of public derogatory comments made against Channel Nine ‘A Current Affair’s host Tracy Grimshaw.
Commenting on his time in the hot seat, Mr Rudd said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together at AFTA especially given the significant financial constraints in place and the multiple, on-going challenges of COVID. The Board, the team and I have all worked tirelessly as one to support the wonderful travel agents of Australia.”
“During my time as CEO, AFTA successfully secured a total of $258 million in tailored support through the Federal Government’s COVID Consumer Traveller Support program, and together with our members, we made sure that the plight of travel agents and businesses and the need for support was understood at every level of government.
Darren Rudd
“I have met so many resilient people through my time in this role, and I know how tough it is for everyone in travel and tourism, which will continue to do it tough until international travel returns. It has been an honour to lead this organisation during this period and a privilege to work with AFTA’s members, the team and the Board.” He said.
In the interim, Chair Tom Manwaring will become Executive Chair of AFTA.