A leadership change is underway at Webjet Group Limited, with managing director and CEO Katrina Barry stepping down from the role.
Barry, who took on the CEO position for the Webjet B2C business in June 2024, will remain with the company to support a transition and oversee full-year results in May 2026, the company announced today.
The board has begun searching for a successor, with further updates expected in due course.
On behalf of the board, Webjet chairman Don Clarke thanked Barry for her “leadership and dedication”.
“Katrina led the business during the successful demerger and ASX listing of the Group’s B2C businesses to become Webjet Group,” he stated.
“She then developed a new five -year strategic roadmap for the Group and focused on the upgrade of the Company’s brand, marketing and technology capabilities.
“Katrina has played an important role in repositioning foundations for delivery of the newly formed Webjet Group and a significant transformation of the business.”
Following the annoucement, Barry said, “Leading Webjet Group through such a transformative period has been a true privilege”.
“Over the past 21 months, we have made remarkable progress – setting a new five -year growth plan for the Group, revitalising the iconic OTA brand and marketing strategy, driving profitability in the New Zealand business units, initiating evolution and enhancement of the technology and business travel platforms, and uplifting leadership capability,” she added.
“As a shareholder and a great supporter of the business and the team, I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead for Webjet and look forward to watching its continued success.”
Despite the leadership shift, Webjet reaffirmed its financial outlook, maintaining guidance of $28–29 million in underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation for FY26.
The company said demand remains resilient, particularly across domestic and short-haul travel in Asia and the Pacific, even as global uncertainty continues to influence traveller behaviour.
In October, Webjet unveiled the biggest brand transformation in its 27-year history, with a bold new identity and expanded product verticals that go beyond airfares to reinforce its evolution from flight-focused OTA to fully fledged travel provider.
Last month, Webjet takeover talks with Helloworld Travel Limited and Australian private equity firm BGH Capital were terminated after no binding bids emerged.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Leadership changes always raise questions, but WJ’s steady outlook suggests it’s pretty much business as usual. For the travel trade, it’s a reminder that demand remains strong, even amid uncertainty.
