Corporate Travel Management confirms Ana Pedersen as permanent Managing Director and Group CEO
Corporate Travel Management (ASX:CTD) has confirmed Ana Pedersen as its permanent Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 23 July 2026. The appointment formalises a role she has held on an acting basis since 2 February 2026.
The move resolves leadership uncertainty during what Chairman Ewen Crouch described as “a particularly challenging period for CTM.” This is a confirmation of an existing leader, not a first-time external hire.
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From Acting CEO to permanent leadership
Pedersen joined CTM in October 2024 as Global Chief Commercial Officer, holding executive responsibility for the Group’s global commercial strategy and revenue performance. That remit spanned global sales, account management, supplier relations, the partner network and client-facing technology.
She stepped into the Acting Group CEO position on 2 February 2026 before the Board confirmed her permanent appointment. The internal promotion signals continuity rather than disruption at the top of the business.
Chairman Ewen Crouch
“Since stepping into the role of Acting Group CEO, Ana has provided steady and considered leadership during what has been a particularly challenging period for CTM… The Board is confident that Ana is the right person to lead CTM through its current challenges and position the Company for long-term success.”
For investors, continuity of leadership and an internal promotion can point to Board confidence and stability during a difficult stretch. The Board has effectively removed a leadership question mark by confirming the person already steering the Company.
A 20-year track record across global corporate travel
The appointment brings a seasoned operator into the permanent role, supporting the case that CTM has selected a proven executive rather than an untested candidate. Pedersen’s background spans the global corporate travel, hospitality and technology sectors.
Key career highlights include:
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20+ years in senior leadership roles across the global corporate travel and travel technology sectors
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16 years with BCD Travel in executive roles across Australia, Asia and North America
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Senior executive roles at HRS Group, including Global CEO – Government, Insurance and Crisis Solutions
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A Master of Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW)
According to the announcement, she has led large-scale growth initiatives, global client programmes and commercial strategy across multinational organisations.
Ana Pedersen, Managing Director and Group CEO
“I am pleased to continue leading CTM, and our focus is on advancing our priorities with discipline and clarity, while working toward fair and timely outcomes for those affected…”
What the appointment means for investors
CEO permanency matters because it resolves a leadership overhang, supports strategic continuity, and gives the market clarity on accountability. An acting appointment leaves questions open; a confirmed one settles them.
The announcement references “current challenges” and “those affected” without providing further detail, and no additional context on those circumstances is disclosed. What the confirmation does provide is a settled, internally promoted leader with deep sector experience to guide CTM through its stated priorities.
Remuneration and service agreement terms
The key terms of Pedersen’s Executive Services Agreement are summarised below. Notably, the FY26 Short-Term Incentive (STI) and Long-Term Incentive (LTI) awards were made prior to her permanent appointment, and future LTI awards will be subject to any required shareholder approvals.
| Key Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Managing Director and Group CEO |
| Annual fixed remuneration | $1,200,000 (incl. base salary, statutory super, directors fees) |
| FY26 STI opportunity | $500,000 (based on 50% of fixed remuneration) |
| FY26 LTI opportunity | $1,000,000 (based on 100% of fixed remuneration) |
| Notice period | 6 months (either party); 12 months by CTM on change of control |
The agreement also allows CTM to make payment in lieu of part or all of the notice period, and permits immediate termination by CTM for defined causes such as negligence or misconduct.
The road ahead
Pedersen’s employment is ongoing with no fixed term, subject to the notice provisions above. According to her own comments, the immediate focus is on advancing CTM’s priorities “with discipline and clarity,” delivering for clients and supporting the Company’s people.
She also pointed to “fair and timely outcomes for those affected,” adding that there is “more to do” as the leadership team works through the period ahead.
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