Debbie Carling to step down as CTM CEO Europe, COO Michael Healy appointed as successor
CTM today announces Debbie Carling will retire from the role of CEO Europe on 31 December 2024, to be succeeded by current COO Michael Healy, OBE.
Carling joined CTM in 2014 following the acquisition of Chambers Travel, and took on the role of CEO Europe in 2016, where she has led the region’s European operations. Under her exceptional leadership, CTM Europe has grown to become the second largest travel management company in the UK* and has earned multiple awards for excellence in travel management, corporate booking technology and sustainable travel solutions.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team over the past decade at CTM Europe. I am immensely proud of the collective achievements we’ve made across multiple domains, including service excellence, technological innovation, and sustainability”, said Carling. “Now is the right time for me to pass the leadership baton to Michael, who I have worked closely with over the years. I am confident that Michael’s exceptional leadership skills, extensive experience and visionary outlook will drive continued success and innovation for our clients and partners”.
Healy will officially assume the role of CEO Europe on 01 January 2025, following a comprehensive transition plan that is already in motion. With more than 30 years of travel industry experience, including nearly 10 years in senior strategic roles at CTM, Healy is well-equipped to lead the company into its next chapter. In 2021, Healy was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to support British nationals overseas.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Debbie for her invaluable leadership and mentorship throughout the years. It is an honour to lead the CTM Europe team as we embark on our next phase of growth”, said Healy. “It’s an exciting time for the travel industry and for CTM, we’re breaking ground with new technologies to support the increasing demand for business travel, and our team continues to evolve and embrace new innovations that will deliver meaningful value for our customers. I look forward to building upon Debbie’s legacy and continuing our pursuit of excellence in everything we do at CTM.”
A key aspect of CTM’s 5-year strategic plan includes expanding its corporate market share in Europe, as evidenced in record year-to-date new client wins in the region. This growth will be powered by leveraging CTM’s proprietary technologies such as Lightning, Scout and Sleep Space to significantly enhance service delivery and user experience while achieving significant customer savings through data-driven program optimisation and supplier leverage.
Jamie Pherous, CTM’s founder and Managing Director, commented “I sincerely thank Debbie for her leadership contribution over the past decade, and I wish her every success for the future. She has been instrumental to building a high-performing team and collaborative culture at CTM Europe which ensures the region is well positioned for further exciting growth under Michael’s leadership. Michael’s extensive operational experience positions our European business to accelerate the delivery of new, transformative travel solutions for our customers and partners in the region and beyond.”
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