In a move designed to enhance its global trade relationships, AKTG has announced the formation of a new Global AKTG Advisory Board, featuring top travel agency leaders from key markets.
AKTG’s update also features what appears to be an all new logo carrying the mythical pegasus.
The newly formed Advisory Board will bring together industry representatives from the US, Canada, Latin America, the UK, Europe and APAC.
Anthony Goldman of Goldman Travel in Melbourne and Noosa-based Melinda Gregor of Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel were among the APAC leaders, alongside Chervin Chow of Blue Sky Escapes in Singapore.
According to AKTG, the board will “meet with key AKTG leadership multiple times a year to provide strategic guidance on product development, market trends, and trade initiatives.”
Leading this initiative is Marett Taylor, who steps into the newly created role of Chairman, Global AKTG Advisory Board & Trade Relations, while also joining the board of A&K Philanthropy (AKP). Taylor will focus on strengthening AKP’s global efforts, particularly in “women’s enterprise, education, and conservation” – identified as issues that resonate deeply with the travel advisor community.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
CEO Cristina Levis welcomed Taylor to her new position. “Marett has built exceptional foundations for our global sales teams across both brands,” she said. “Her new role allows us to leverage her industry expertise and deeply engage our trade partners in guiding our global strategic direction for our entire portfolio.”
Other notable appointments to the inaugural board include: Damian McCabe, McCabe Travel; Karen Magee, VWT a Chase Travel Company; Katherine Norton, Brownell; Cristina Buaas, CSB Travel; Aida Silva, Tully Luxury Travel; Stephen Smith, Direct Travel; and Laura Asilis, Travelwise.
Appointments are “ongoing,” with a commitment to diverse regional representation and expertise across Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal products.
Taylor will continue to represent AKTG at major industry events such as Virtuoso Travel Week, PURE, Signature Travel Network Meetings, and ILTM Cannes. “Taylor’s new AKTG strategic role represents AKTG’s commitment to advisor-driven innovation from a global perspective,” the company stated.In parallel, AKTG has realigned its trade leadership structure to focus brand-specific expertise. Shawn Johnson has been named Senior Vice President of Trade Sales, North America, for Abercrombie & Kent, and Matias Lira continues as Senior Vice President of Trade Sales – Americas, UK & EMEA, for Crystal. Both report directly to Daniel Krupp, Chief Growth Officer.
“Great advisor relationships are built on trust and results — and Shawn and Matias have earned that trust by truly understanding what advisors need to succeed,” said Krupp. “Their leadership ensures both continuity and fresh thinking in how we support our partners.”
AKTG’s momentum continues as Crystal celebrates a successful relaunch, now operating two vessels and preparing to add two more by 2028. Meanwhile, Abercrombie & Kent is expanding with new destinations like Madagascar and Sri Lanka, new Culinary Journeys, and luxury lodges such as Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda. A recent brand refresh has driven “increased advisor engagement and client demand.”
AKTG also launched an enhanced digital Trade Portal, offering “real-time inventory management,” marketing assets, and direct advisor communication.
