Intrepid’s ANZ Managing Director becomes just the 19th team member inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame in its 37-year history, recognised at the operator’s annual Global Summit in Melbourne last week.
Nineteen people in 37 years. That’s how selective Intrepid Travel’s Hall of Fame is, and ANZ Managing Director Brett Mitchell is now one of them.
The recognition came on 27 March at The Edge, Federation Square, during the final day of Intrepid’s five-day 2026 Global Summit, which brought more than 400 team members from over 30 countries to Melbourne.
The Hall of Fame was established by co-founders Darrell Wade and Geoff ‘Manch’ Manchester to recognise individuals who have played a key role in shaping the company’s direction, according to Intrepid.
“Also very humbled to be inducted into Intrepid’s Hall of Fame,” Mitchell said.
“Thanks to Darrell, Manch, James and all the teams I’ve worked with over the years. I’m honoured to play a small part in the journey.”
A return to Melbourne
The 2026 Global Summit returned to Intrepid’s Melbourne headquarters after last year’s event in Colombo, drawing more than 180 international and interstate colleagues and 36 tour leaders from around the world.
The gathering follows a record year for the business. The company reported revenue of $809.3 million in its most recent integrated annual report, up 29 per cent year on year.
“Bringing our global team together in Melbourne, where Intrepid was founded, was a powerful moment,” Mitchell said.
“Demand for meaningful, experience-rich travel remains strong, and Australia continues to play a critical role in our global offering and future growth.”
Tim Tams, Vegemite and staff turned tour leaders
The five-day program spanned sessions on The Intrepid Foundation, Reconciliation initiatives and career pathways across the business. Co-founders Wade and Manchester took part in a Q&A hosted by New Zealand tour leader Runty Jackson.
Australian-themed activities gave the 36 visiting tour leaders a taste of local culture: Tim Tam Slams, lamington teas and Vegemite tastings. Melbourne-based team members doubled as tour leaders to guide visiting colleagues through the week.
A CEO Run and Walk fundraiser with James Thornton raised funds for The Intrepid Foundation, while an introduction to Australian Rules Football came through Intrepid’s partnership with North Melbourne Football Club across both the AFL and AFLW.
The Foundation itself is coming off a record year of giving, distributing more than $3.4 million to 58 partner organisations across 45 countries in 2025, up 31 per cent on the prior year. It has now surpassed $20 million in total funds disbursed since launching in 2002, with the Foundation targeting $4.3 million in 2026.
Morocco in 2027
Thornton said the summit reinforced the culture that underpins Intrepid’s growth as it scales globally.
“As we scale, staying connected to our purpose and to each other is critical because it’s our people who bring Intrepid to life in every destination,” Thornton said.
Intrepid will host its 2027 Global Summit in Morocco, a destination the company describes as one of its most popular worldwide.
