After a quarter of a century with DriveAway, Claire Turner is preparing to retire. Her final day will be Friday 23 May 2025, bringing to a close one of the company’s longest-standing tenures.
Turner’s 25-year career with DriveAway has spanned significant changes in both the business and the broader travel industry, including the rise of online bookings, the launch of global leasing programs, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout it all, Turner remained a constant point of contact for agents and industry partners across Australia.
A trusted contact
Turner joined DriveAway in 2000 and has since become a familiar face to many in the Australian travel trade. Her career has been defined by long-term agent relationships, strong supplier partnerships and what DriveAway calls “unwavering support” for the brand and its travel partners.
“She has been a devoted and vital part of our team,” DriveAway said in a statement.
“Claire has always represented DriveAway with pride, professionalism and genuine enthusiasm.”
In her role, Turner worked across a number of business areas, but always maintained a strong focus on supporting agents—providing detailed product knowledge, resolving client issues, and offering booking support with consistency and care.
An advocate for agents
DriveAway credits Turner with being a “passionate advocate” for both the business and the trade. She developed a reputation within the industry for her approachable manner, fast response times and product knowledge.
Turner’s career longevity stands out in a fast-changing sector, with DriveAway noting that her professional accomplishments and consistent service have left a lasting mark on the company and its partners.
A milestone moment for the business
Turner’s departure is significant not only for DriveAway but also for the many agents and suppliers who’ve worked with her over the past two and a half decades. Her retirement marks the end of a career that, in many ways, has mirrored the evolution of the Australian travel industry.
While DriveAway has not confirmed a replacement, the company acknowledged that Turner’s contribution will be felt well beyond her final day.
“We are extremely sad to say goodbye, but thrilled for Claire as she embarks on this exciting new chapter,” DriveAway said.
“We know she will embrace retirement with the same passion and positivity she brought to work every single day.”
What comes next
Turner has yet to share specific post-retirement plans, but she is expected to remain in contact with many of her former colleagues and industry friends.
With more than two decades of industry knowledge, she leaves behind not just a long record of service, but a network of personal connections and loyal supporters—particularly within the agent community.
In the coming weeks, the company is planning to celebrate Turner’s retirement internally, with messages of thanks already circulating from long-time colleagues and clients.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Claire Turner’s retirement represents more than just a milestone—it underscores the value of continuity and trust in the travel trade. Long-term supplier contacts like Claire are often the invisible force behind seamless bookings and loyal agent relationships. For DriveAway, it’s a major transition—and a timely reminder of the people powering the partnerships.
