Jules Verne MD Debbie O’Neill takes over as AWTE chair

Jules Verne managing director Debbie O’Neill has taken over as the new chair of The Association of Women Travel Executives.

She replaces chair Michelle Laverick, head of marketing at Jules Verne, while Elena Ktori, founder of Antella Recruitment, becomes vice-chair.

The AWTE announced a new board of directors for 2026-2027, which includes seven new board directors, at its annual general meeting.

The new board members are: All In One Tours senior account and product manager Eva Muhlthaler as events director; CV Villas accounts manager Hayley Coventry as finance director; Discova business development manager Quynh Dinh as social media director; We Road international regional manager Clarissa Cappelletti as marketing director; and UK Inbound senior membership manager Affton Smith as sponsorship director.

On the membership team, African Travel & Tourism Association (Atta) chief executive Kgomotso Ramothea joins as membership director, and leadership coach Helen Roberts, former Kuoni sales director, becomes development director.

In addition to the new appointments, Advantage Travel Partnership head of business development Lee Ainsworth joins AWTE as a male ambassador, supporting the association’s goal to promote allyship across the travel industry and champion women in the sector.

On taking up the role, O’Neill said: “AWTE has a proud history of supporting women in travel, and as our industry evolves, so must we.

“As chair, my focus is on fostering a modern, inclusive, and deeply human community - one where women feel a genuine sense of belonging, are empowered to grow both personally and professionally, and where allyship and collaboration shape the future of our industry together.”

She cited an “incredible turnout” at the association’s AGM, adding: “These community events sit at the heart of what AWTE stands for, and we look forward to hosting many more in the year ahead.”