Jamie Pherous, CEO/Managing Director, founded Corporate Travel Management in 1994. He has built the company from its headquarters in Brisbane to become the largest privately-owned travel management company in Australia and, in late 2010, became successfully listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). The Company today employs more than 370 staff.

Prior to establishing Corporate Travel Management, Jamie was employed by Arthur Andersen (now Ernst & Young) as a chartered accountant specialising in business services and the financial consulting division in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Jamie was also a major shareholder and co-founder of an online hotel booking engine Quickbeds.com.au which was sold to Flight Centre Group in 2003.

His core strengths include strategic planning, growth and development, risk management and technology. In recognition of his role in overseeing Corporate Travel Management’s strong growth, Jamie has twice been a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Laura Ruffles, Corporate Travel Management’s Chief Operating Officer, has significant local, regional and global industry experience. In a career of more than 16 years, she has led teams across strategy, operations, product development, relationship management, sales, business planning and technology.

Prior to joining Corporate Travel Management Laura was a Director at American Express, where she was responsible for managing the small and medium enterprises business function.

Laura’s responsibilities at Corporate Travel Management include team leadership and establishing, managing and optimising sales performance, service delivery, client satisfaction, employee retention and profitability to achieve the company’s business goals. Her strengths include managing leadership performance, strategy and business planning, sales and client management, process engineering and optimisation.

Steve Fleming is responsible for Corporate Travel Management’s finance function, treasury management, key stakeholder liaison, and strategic planning in conjunction with the Managing Director and Board.

Steve has more than 20 years’ experience in commercial finance roles gained with high growth companies across a number of industries and countries including Abbey National, TrizecHahn, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell and Arthur Andersen. Prior to joining Corporate Travel Management in 2009, Steve was Group Finance Manager for one of Australia’s largest retailers, Super Cheap Auto.

His expertise includes financial management, treasury, corporate transactions and finance strategy. A qualified accountant, Steve is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Nova Fleming joined Corporate Travel Management in 2007, bringing 15 years experience in HR related roles over a range of industries.

Her previous roles included HR Management for the IKEA group and a senior position within the transport industry.

Nova’s expertise is in strategic business planning and using technology to advance business performance and the HR function. She is a certified professional of the Australian Human Resources Institute and is completing her postgraduate studies in Management (Human Resources).

Craig Smith was instrumental in the merger of Travelogic, one of Australia’s largest independent corporate travel management operations, with Corporate Travel Management in 2008.

Craig established Travelogic with Claire Gray in 1989. He oversaw the company’s growth into a $135 million enterprise servicing clients primarily in the Sydney market, including the Macquarie Group, PSN, Acergy, CIT Group, Nice Systems and Navini Network.

Craig has also held several sales and marketing roles for multinational organisations. He is the current President of the Association of Travel Management Companies, which represents the interests of Australian travel management organisations with combined revenues exceeding $3 billion, and previously was President of the Business Travel Agents Association of Australia.

Andre Moten joined Corporate Travel Management in 2001. By capturing new market niches within the MICE, mining, pharmaceutical, automotive and other industries, Andre has contributed significantly to the company’s business growth.

Andre has significant business development experience in both the public and private sectors. His former senior positions include Director of the Queensland State Government’s Olympic 2000 Task Force, managing the delivery of $2 billion of economic impacts for Queensland from the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and Group Sales Manager for Queensland with Ansett Australia.

Matthew (‘Matt’) Cantelo was appointed a Director of Corporate Travel Management in 2001 following a merger with Rhodes Corporate Travel, a corporate travel management company he established in 1997.

Matt has 13 years experience in the travel industry. He previously held management roles with STA Travel before specialising in the development of service niches within the corporate travel and entertainment industry.

Matt was responsible for establishing Corporate Travel Management’s Sydney branch in 2003 and continues to oversee its operation.

His expertise includes account management, sales, operations and IT, and he also has significant experience in change management.

Matt Dalling managed Rhodes Corporate Travel with Matt Cantelo, a corporate travel agency servicing the entertainment industry. In 2001, the company merged with Corporate Travel Management and Matt was appointed to the Board of Directors. He has also held positions with STA Travel, Woolworths and Freshermans.

Matt continues to run Corporate Travel Management’s high growth Victorian office and various project-related initiatives. His key strengths are strategic consulting and client and people management.

John Lewis has considerable industry experience having first joined Corporate Travel Management in 1998 to 2000 working as a domestic consultant, international consultant and office manager. During this time he worked through all aspects of the business and played a key role in Corporate Travel Management’s early growth from four consultants to approximately 30 employees. Following a brief stint managing a family smallgoods business, John rejoined Corporate Travel Management in September 2001 as Manager, Business Analysis & Solutions (QLD). This role included business development, account implementation and strategic account management activities. During this time he developed an expertise within the PNG mining & minerals market with key clients and maintenance of ongoing supplier relationships. In July 2010 he was appointed to the role of General Manager, New Zealand responsible for Corporate Travel Management’s first international acquisition, Cavalier Corporate Travel Management in Remuera, Auckland. His responsibilities include alignment of corporate and local priorities including implementation of CTM systems, technology and growth objectives.

Prior to joining Corporate Travel Management, John commenced his career in the travel industry in 1996. He has extensive management experience in industries including tourism and leisure, agriculture, and timber manufacturing.