Webjet has appointed long-time executive Layton Shannos as acting CEO from 1 June 2026, following the departure of outgoing boss Katrina Barry.
Ms Barry will officially leave the online travel company on 31 May and also step down as a director. Her exit was first announced in March.
According to Webjet, Barry will continue supporting the company through a consultancy agreement to assist with transition arrangements after her departure.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Katrina for her contribution to Webjet over the past two years,” Webjet interim chair Dr Gary Weiss said.
“During this period, she has played an important role for the business through the demerger and in repositioning the company for future growth and strengthening the company’s brand and market presence.
“We thank Katrina for her leadership and commitment and wish her every success for the future.”
Mr Shannos steps into the interim role after more than a decade with Webjet, including senior finance and corporate leadership positions. Most recently, he served as group chief financial officer following the company’s demerger and ASX listing.
Before that, he was CFO of Webjet OTA and played a key role in the business’s financial management and corporate development activities.
The board said his operational knowledge and familiarity with the company would provide leadership continuity during the transition period.
Webjet said the search for a permanent CEO and managing director remains underway.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Leadership changes always attract attention, but this appointment feels focused on stability. For the travel industry, continuity matters, particularly while travel businesses continue navigating a fast-changing operating environment.
