UK: Travalyst CEO Sally Davey will step down in December after five years leading the not-for-profit that accelerates sustainability efforts from travel and tourism industry leaders.
Under Davey’s tenure, the organisation has grown from a small coalition of five founding companies to providing solutions at a systemic level with collaboration across a wide range of strategic and commercial partners.
Developing the Travel Impact Model with Google, spearheading the acquisition of Weeva, which has led to the development of the Data Hub and the launch of a global certification initiative.
In a note to her team and partners, Davey said: “It has been an incredible honour to work with so many impact-driven leaders, passionate about the change that’s possible and the unique opportunity Travalyst has to shape a more sustainable future for the tourism industry and the planet.
“I haven’t taken this choice lightly; however, it is a positive one and the right one for me and my family at this time. I’m delighted to leave on such a high note, and happy to be with the organisation until December. The work continues, and what important work it is. I can’t wait to see what Travalyst does next.”
In 2020, start-up, sustainability, and travel expert Davey was asked by The Duke of Sussex to lead the organisation after her tenures at Tripadvisor and Tripbod.
On her departure, Prince Harry said: “I am so grateful to Sally for her commitment and drive over the last five years, which has grown Travalyst‘s impact and sparked real change across the travel industry. As this hugely successful chapter closes, we’re excited for the next – welcoming new leadership to accelerate our mission and deepen our impact.
“Tourism must create more opportunities for the communities it touches, and that work can’t wait. I remain as committed to this cause now as I was when I founded Travalyst six years ago, and I know Sally’s successor will help deliver the systemic change we all need, alongside our Board and committed partners.”
Before her departure, Davey will continue to execute a number of key initiatives for Travalyst, including the launch of the Data Hub – a sustainability data solution for the industry, the second iteration of Travalyst’s certification criteria, attending partner and other events, as well as policy meetings.
Davey will continue at Travalyst until December and the not-for-profit will conduct an internal and external search for a successor this autumn. Coalition partners and team members will be updated on a six-weekly basis on the progress of the search.
The board will nominate an interim CEO should a successor not be found in time for a handover period with Davey.