CORPORATE Travel Management (CTM) has announced Chief Financial Officer Cale Bennett will be leaving to take up a career opportunity outside the travel industry, as one of a number of senior management changes for the company.
A mutually agreed separation date of 28 July has been agreed upon to ensure a smooth transition, which will see General Manager Finance James Patterson appointed as acting CFO.
Patterson is well-placed to immediately step into the role due to a formal succession plan being in place for several years, CTM said.
“James has gained great experience working within CTM under Cale’s leadership to ensure he is well placed to step into the role,” Managing Director Jamie Pherous noted.
“James has been intimately involved in key strategic decision making and has contributed extensively on a global scale as part of our succession planning.
Executive Director Laura Ruffles has been appointed into the new role of Chief Executive Officer ANZ/EU/Asia, while continuing in her current role, as part of CTM’s 2026 strategic plan.
She will now also be responsible for the performance and organic growth of these three regions, together with leading the enhancement of customer-facing technology and automation.
Eleanor Noonan has also be appointed Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for people and performance, together with data, security, and ICT.
She was appointed as Chief of Staff in August to rapidly rebuild CTM’s workforce in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Patterson, Ruffles, and Noonan will all report to Pherous.
“I am confident the changes will strengthen CTM’s executive team as it focuses on delivery of our strategic roadmap through FY24 and beyond,” Chair Ewen Crouch said.
