As Chair of the Board and ex-chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Human Resources Committee, as well as the Strategy and Innovation Working Group, and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, Tammy’s extensive board experience expands beyond YHA Australia. She concurrently serves as a Director of Railbookers Worldwide and contributes to the Advisory Board of of Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. With a career spanning over 30 years, Tammy has a wealth of leadership experience. Her executive journey includes notable roles such as CEO of Contiki Holidays and Resorts, Chief Operating Officer at TFE Hotels, Global CEO of AAT Kings and Senior Vice President Commercial at Carnival Corporation. Tammy is a certified director through the Australian Institute of Directors and holds a master’s in business. She has a passion for social purpose businesses and has been a strong advocacy and supporter for YHA for over twenty years.
I first joined YHA at twenty-one, to travel independently and safely around the world, and meet other young people. Re-joining YHA in 2012 has re-ignited my passion. I offer extensive experience in hospitality/tourism, membership organisations, Not-for-Profit and commercial services in senior executive roles, with AICD governance training and a Master of International Management. I believe I can make a significant contribution to addressing the challenges of a membership-based organisation staying relevant to young people in a fast changing, technology connected global market. YHA’s strategies for providing the unique traveller experience Australia can offer excites me to contribute to YHA for its current and future members.
My first experience of YHA was when I stayed in a YHA hostel at Byron Bay while doing a dive course at the end of my Economics degree. Since then I have been fortunate to have travelled around Australia, Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific. I am a chartered accountant, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and have worked in senior executive roles in three continents across a range of businesses and industries over the last 35 years. In addition to my broad, commercial, financial and strategic experience, I also have specific expertise in property, business and digital transformation and governance, including for not-for-profit, member-based organisations. I embrace YHA’s mission and continue to be amazed at the incredible people you meet everywhere.
I am seasoned traveller who is passionate about learning and advancing the understanding of other cultures through travel. I am an experienced company director and senior legal executive with global corporate experience and qualifications in law and marketing. My capabilities include corporate governance, risk management and strong analytical skills developed from over 25 years’ experience in investing, property financing, private equity, private credit, funds management and mergers & acquisitions. I have worked across the world in diverse industries including property and hotels, telecommunications, healthcare and technology. I believe my deep experience and broad perspective will help YHA navigate the challenges it faces with the COVID-19 pandemic and maximise this opportunity to refresh the brand and YHA offering.
My career has revolved around the aviation and hospitality industries in Australia, NZ the United Kingdom and Asia. I joined YHA in 1988 in London and have spent time in operational roles with Ansett, Air New Zealand and Qantas. More recently I led the Commercial team at Qantas Loyalty and later as Executive Manager Sustainability for Qantas Group. I’m passionate about building strategic partnerships with likeminded organisations and developing strategies to grow revenues and customer engagement. A Chartered Accountant, I am also GAICD. My Board experience includes roles with Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Golden Stave Foundation and oneworld Sustainability Group. I’m excited to be bringing my broad commercial experience to the YHA Board in a post-COVID world and to start travelling the world again.
I am passionate about the importance of community and growth experiences that are broadly accessible and therefore the YHA purpose resonates well with me. I have achieved much of my personal growth through travel experiences as both a child and an adult, and have worked, lived and adventured around the globe. I graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2016 and have worked on boards since 2017. My career in technology spans over 30 years, and my experience ranges from hands-on application development, IT project management of significant transformation programs and several years of ICT executive leadership. My executive experience includes IT Service Delivery, Strategy Development and Execution, Business Development, Commercial management and Corporate Governance. My other formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Computer Science and a Masters of General Management.
I first joined YHA in 1998, and its ability to connect curious, diverse travellers remains unique to the organisation and important to foster. My long tenured senior management experience within financial services is complemented by board experience with large corporates, profit for purpose and charity organisations. I bring strong skillsets in investments, strategy, commercial, distribution, compliance and proven experience developing and driving successful global international business partnerships to the YHA board. I am committed to supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the YHA movement for others to experience and enjoy.
I am a passionate traveller and believe in the power of exploration as a means of creating connections and building perspective – I’m inspired by YHA’s ambitions to enable travel and exploration for all. I am experienced commercial leader with demonstrated track record of building teams, brands and businesses in Australian and Asian markets. I have worked in a variety of business structures from multi-nationals, JV’s, Private Equity and SME’s with domestic and international scope in a number of different categories including hospitality, wellness and beverages. I look forward to assisting the YHA pursue its ambitions with people, planet and community in mind.
I am excited about the travel experience and ongoing growth of YHA. I first joined YHA as a student and have stayed in many YHA hostels. I now advise organisations on strategic growth and stakeholder relationships globally. A development of a leading MBA and corporate advisory at a top-tier strategy firm. Initially a registered Architect I continue to work across the property spectrum. I have advised on property and capital for Peninsula Hotels, IHG, Shangri-La, Hilton and a Virgin-Macquarie Bank JV. An AICD member having served on several boards and now the YHA Board, Environment-Social-Governance and NRHR Committees and, Strategy-Innovation and Railway-Square-Development-Working Groups. I support a sustainable YHA that delivers quality travel experiences, unique environmental properties, friendly efficient service, and a respected brand presence.
