Meet Michael Healy: CTM’s CEO for the UK & Europe

Have you met Michael Healy, the CEO for the UK and Europe at Corporate Travel Management (CTM)?

Michael has had an impressive 9+ years with CTM, first starting his career pathway as General Manager in 2015, then later moving to the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2023 and was appointed CEO in 2025.

A noteworthy highlight during his tenure was being awarded an Order for the British Empire (OBE); an honour bestowed upon individuals for distinguished service or achievement, particularly at a regional or national level. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the British honours system.

Healy has established himself as a team player, and although at the helm as CEO, he recognises that no achievements are made possible without the people and teams that surround you and the shared values you have.

Join us as we sat down with Michael Healy to learn a little about the leadership principals that have guided him, pivotal moments that have left a legacy, his customer-centric focus and even some of his inspirational travel destinations.

 

You can’t underestimate the vital role of travel

Healy is the first to emphasise the value of travelling for business. It creates connections, provides knowledge sharing and strengthens partnerships, but as Healy knows first-hand, travel also plays a vital role in times of disruption, where he managed the repatriation of British nationals during the early days of the pandemic. “Being awarded an OBE was a humbling experience. It was a reminder of how vital travel can be, not just as a means of transport, but as a lifeline when lives are disrupted by global events. It reinforced the importance of resilience and responsive corporate travel solutions,” he said.

Leadership is about the people and teams

Being awarded the OBE is not surprisingly the most pivotal moment in Healy’s leadership journey, but it wasn’t the honour itself; it was the incredible team behind it. “Watching our people rise to the challenge, working together under pressure, demonstrating resilience made me immensely proud of our people. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about titles or being at the top, it’s about the people around you, the values you share and the impact you create.”

Customers are at the core of our business decisions

Customers are at the core of every business decision CTM make and long-term customer relationships are built on trust, transparency and the consistent delivery of value.

“We actively align our growth and transformation strategies with our core values, ensuring that customer needs shape our direction,” explained Healy. “Through initiatives like our Client Advisory Board and real-time feedback channels, we gain deep insights into both stated and unspoken customer needs. These insights inform our technology roadmap, service design and investment priorities, allowing us to co-create shared value solutions that deliver measurable ROI. By staying agile, embracing change and communicating with clarity, we build lasting partnerships that drive mutual success.”

Communication and engagement are key

Effective communication and engagement at all levels are something Healy views as essential to successful leadership. “Sharing a clear vision, setting priorities, and ensuring every team member understands their role and contribution are key to building momentum and high-performing teams. That’s also why CTM’s core values of Connect, Evolve and Deliver resonate strongly with me,” Healy explains. “Connect is about building strong relationships across teams, regions and with customers. It means listening, being present, and building trust. Evolve is about embracing change, staying agile, and rethinking the way we work. And Deliver is vital; it’s about being accountable and following through on our commitments. It’s professionally fulfilling, and I’m incredibly proud of the team and how hard they work.”

Bringing my authentic self to the table

Reflecting on the best leadership advice he has ever received, Healy says: “It is always to bring my authentic self to the table and to invite others to do the same. It is about creating a culture that encourages differing opinions and perspectives.”

Healy recalls being told that it’s easy for leaders to be surrounded by people who tell them what they want to hear, but you should strive to seek the perspectives of those who feel and think differently.

“Building blended teams with depth of experience and skills – that’s the space for high performance, change and innovation and is where I show up best.”

Vietnam tops the bucket list

You can’t work in the travel industry and not have a passion for globetrotting. It comes with the territory.

“Whilst I have visited Vietnam previously, I’ve not had the opportunity to visit and appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ha Long Bay. Taking a junk boat to explore the many islands, caves and limestone islands would be an amazing experience which is definitely on my to do list.”

Business travel can lead you to some inspiring and unique locations

Business travel does not always involve big cities and can sometimes take us off the beaten path to places less travelled. And, sometimes, they are in your own backyard. Healy reflects on the time he found himself in his native Scotland at the Isle of Barra. “I had the pleasure of travelling there as part of our work on the patient transport services we provided to NHS Scotland.”

Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides. Long celebrated for its natural beauty, from stunning beaches and rolling hills to wild machair and moorland, Healy shares: “It’s a truly special place. And what makes it even more remarkable is how you get there. If you fly in, your arrival is completely tide-dependent, as the island’s airport is one of the only places in the world where planes land directly on the beach at Cockle Strand, a truly remarkable experience.”

Leading CTM UK & Europe into the future

As Healy leads CTM UK & Europe into its next chapter, his passion for CTM’s value proposition, core values, and strategic direction remains firmly centred on the customer. With a single-minded focus on delivering value, Healy continues to champion a customer-first approach that drives meaningful outcomes and long-term partnerships.