TRA Mentors

This incredible group of people offer us inspiration and innovation in our quest of evolving Travel Optimisation Management.

Collectively raising the standard in excellence across TRM

We are proud to announce our TRA Mentors programme. We are so inspired by the work of certain individuals and organisations, (they are one of the reasons we started the TRA), we wanted to connect you with these incredible people, so that you can learn from them, be inspired by them and even work directly with them!

Meet the Mentors and Ambassadors

We regularly host webinars so you can meet and hear directly from TRA Mentors and Ambassadors, typically you’ll get to hear from and ask questions of 2-3 Mentors & Ambassadors on each webinar.

TRA Mentors

A TRA Mentor is a person working either as a consultant or for an innovative TRM solution provider that are experts or thought leaders in their field. TRA Mentors are by invite only. If you would like to arrange a 1-2-1 with one of our TRA Mentors; you can do so by contacting us here

Meet our Mentors below:

Transformation leader: adaptable in style and effective at influencing all levels. Extremely passionate about safety and security, and its alignment with leadership behaviours.

An experienced communicator and facilitator, placing a high emphasis on relational thinking and ethical decision making. Broad operational experience and effective at working cross-culturally. A catalyst who motivates individuals and groups to greater success and who is passionate about doing the right thing. Exhibits courage to consistently speak up in all circumstances.

David is Chief Product Officer for Tripstax Technologies. He is renowned in the industry for his deep knowledge of all aspects of TMC architecture and process flow, alongside his unique way of articulating complex problems and elegant solutions.

A free thinker, David has carved a reputation for excellence founded on his wide range of experience across the TMC value chain and is known for his progressive approach to solving long-standing industry challenges.

Carlos has spent almost 20 years working within the global business travel sector, he now provides consulting services to the industry, through CC Consulting specialising in business travel visas.

Previously, Carlos successfully founded, scaled, and divested his own travel-focused business, showcasing his acumen in enterprise growth and strategic development.

He continued his journey by spearheading transformational projects, launching unique new travel brands and enhancing service offerings whilst at CIBT Visas/Newland Chase. He has a particular focus in the realm of business travel visas with additional expertise in a range of immigration services enabling him to advise clients on structuring a streamlined, compliant end-2-end mobility program.

Nathan is a highly experienced security risk management consultant and current British Army Warrant Officer with 22 years of dedicated service. Over the last 12 years Nathan has Specialised in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Extraction (SERE) along with Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR), Nathan has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, training delivery, and risk management skills in high-stakes environments.

Nathan’s extensive experience spans diverse and demanding environments, from arctic to desert, jungle, and urban terrains. This versatility makes him a highly effective mentor, capable of preparing individuals to face a wide range of challenges. His expertise in developing and refining survival tactics along with his knowledge in planning and executing personnel recovery ensures that trainees are equipped to handle real-world crises confidently and effectively.

Alex Craxton is the founder of Evo Strategy, a consulting service created in 2023 to guide the strategy and products for identifying and managing risk.

Alex has researched, built and applied an elegant approach for organisations to consider their approach to developing, acquiring and deploying technology for the safety and security of their people.

This framework applies Alex’s 15 years in travel and corporate risk product technologies along with enterprise technical architectural expertise into a workable and continuously evolving strategy.

Alexandra Delgado is the founder and CEO of Terrain 9, a consultancy specialized in field security and travel risk management.

Drawing on 15 years of industry experience, Alexandra launched Terrain 9 with a specific focus: to assist organizations navigating the complexities of global operations, principally by enhancing the security of traveling and deployed personnel.

Through Terrain 9, Alexandra offers tailored support for organizations seeking effective security solutions in challenging environments.

Ben Griffin, with a career spanning over two decades in aviation operations, safety, and security, currently serves as an IATA AVSEC Instructor and the owner of SECTRN, Ireland.

His expertise in aviation security management, customer-oriented change, and regulatory training has established him as a thought leader in AVSEC.

Ben’s commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation safety makes him a pivotal contributor to advancing global aviation security standards.

A Dallas, Texas native, Matt’s interest in travel started early. At the age of 10, his mom, inspired by the film “Out of Africa,” packed up her three sons and headed to Botswana and Kenya for a month. This first trip abroad led to many more summer adventures.

Matt has more than 20 years of experience in application development, business development, and product management in travel. As Chief Product and Information Officer at Traxo, Matt guides the evolution of the products based on the company’s mission to enable travel teams to achieve full program visibility for a safer, more cost effective travel program.

”I am astounded at how much travel buyers are forced to rely on trust rather than evidence, a process somewhat short of the benchmark set by travel risk management standard ISO31030” – Gary Hurst, founder of mysa writing for Business Travel News Europe.

Gary’s philosophy is why rely on trust when evidence can and should be provided. He believes that without evidence of safety and security compliance and procedures, trust is significantly counteracted by risk.

Stephen has spent his entire career within hospitality and customer service, encompassing airlines, industrial caterers, restaurants, logistics and Serviced Accommodation.

With valuable experience of conducting quality and food safety audits domestically and globally for British Airways, Stephen has successfully incorporated ISAAP and developed accreditation and certification schemes for the serviced accommodation and corporate housing sector of the hospitality industry.

ISAAP is now recognized as the leading global provider of assessment and accreditation services in the serviced accommodation and corporate housing sector. Sound commercial and large-scale product procurement management experience underpin Stephen’s professional competencies.

Bruce McIndoe is a leading expert in risk management, travel safety, and crisis response. With a background in technology and intelligence, he co-founded iJET International, a global intelligence and operational risk management firm (now Crisis24) , where he served as President and CEO.

McIndoe has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions for tracking and managing risks for global organizations, particularly in the travel and corporate security sectors. A sought-after speaker and advisor, he has contributed to shaping industry standards and best practices, helping businesses navigate complex global threats.

His expertise extends to cybersecurity, operational resilience, and strategic risk management. Bruce was recognized by the Life Safety Alliance (lifesafetyalliance.org) as one of the Top 40 Global Thought Leaders.

Jennifer Milton, an American living in Germany, is the founder of Compass Point Assist (CPA), a medical and travel assistance company based in Bavaria and established in 2023.

With over 15 years of experience in healthcare and startup sectors, Jennifer believes that leisure travelers need to be more informed about travel hazards and that travel risk management should extend beyond corporates and NGOs. CPA provides travelers with essential information to prevent illnesses and accidents while promoting sustainable travel practices.

Jennifer is passionate about ensuring a safe and responsible travel experience for all.

Jake Newton is a devoted security professional with 15 years of experience focused on inspiring ownership in individuals’ and organizational safety and security.

As the Chief Operations

Officer for CPPS, Jake oversees all administrative and operational functions of the business Jake has also consulted with numerous organizations, particularly fortune 1,000, supporting development of standards-based programs for holistic personnel security in any work environment.

Birger, a seasoned Business Developer in Travel Risk Management, established his consultancy in Switzerland after years of global travel for top companies like International SOS and Global Excel. With Oldorff Consulting, he aids providers and insurers in market entry, sales tactics, growth strategies, and product development.

Simultaneously, he supports corporate clients in procuring and implementing TRM solutions. Birger’s expertise bridges industry gaps and drives efficient business solutions.

Martijn is a passionate Travel Technologist with 18 years of expertise, having held key leadership roles at CWT, where he last spearheaded digital booking channel 3rd party product delivery and internal & external strategies.

These efforts drove profitability and seamless integrations across online booking tools, mid/back office, expense & payment technologies. He loves building strong connections with technology and corporate partners. Naturally connecting existing and new relationships drives synergies for collective success.

He is always focused on pushing the boundaries of travel technology and challenging the status quo to elevate products, processes, people, and deliver impactful results.

Carolyn is the CEO and founder of Maiden Voyage. A pioneer in the space of Inclusive Travel Security, Carolyn has received numerous awards for her work cross the globe empowering individual, corporations and travel industry suppliers to ensure that everybody can travel safely, whatever their personal characteristics.

Carolyn is a well-known figure in the security industry, having spent a number of years on the Global Business Travel Association Risk Committee and is regularly featured in the press and conference agendas around the world, always pushing the agenda with her insightful thought-leadership.

Russell is a renowned expert in Risk, Continuity, and Resilience Management with over 20 years

of experience. As Chair of the ISO Risk Management Committee, he leads the development of

global standards, including ISO 31000.

His contributions to risk management have earned him numerous accolades, including the BSI Special Leadership Award. A frequent media commentator and speaker, Russell champions

organizational resilience and positive change through effective risk management practices across

various industries and sectors.

Stacey Porter is a high-level security professional leader with more than 20 years of Department of Homeland Security experience, where he managed security personnel in the aviation and security industry.

Mr Porter held a Top-Secret security clearance for over twenty years while employed with the federal government and has experience working with public and private sector organizations at the local, state, national and international levels.

He carries a broad background in vulnerability assessment and mitigation, security planning, threat and risk assessment, and investigative management operations.

Dave Richter recently retired after a 30+ year career in travel risk management. He most recently worked at Gallagher Benefits Services as the Area Senior Vice President in the Global Risk Solutions Center of Excellence.

At Richter International Consulting and continuing at Gallagher, Dave’s clients ranged from Fortune 50 companies to NGOs and Non-Profits. The company’s focus on creative and cost-effective benefits solutions were a good fit for both, leveraging his hands-on international experience to help clients meet their Duty of Care responsibilities.

John Scott founded Mia Bazo in 2021 to provide frequent travellers — individuals and SMEs — the same level of travel risk management services previously available only to large enterprises.

Mia Bazo shares its core technology with its sister company, Voyage Manager. John founded Voyage Manager in 2010. It is now the most advanced platform for frequent travellers at major corporations, comprising tax compliance, visa and immigration compliance, travel tracking and travel security.

Mia Bazo is John’s third travel technology solution.

John created ShoutSafe in response to the 2004 Asian tsunami. He was in Sri Lanka when the tsunami hit, and he noticed that there was a need for an easy to use system for notifying friends and family about one’s status. He started working on travel software solutions shortly after returning home from his trip.

Lisa Sumner is a 23-year experienced professional specialising in Global Hotel programs. She has expertise in data analysis, technology implementation, RFP negotiation, and traveler safety.

She has supported 8PC clients through vendor programs and aligning providers and clients with ISO31030 standards. Her exceptional leadership skills and expertise make her an invaluable asset to our team.

Sal has over 15 years of global experience in travel risk, crisis management, aviation security, and wartime operations across the public and private sectors.

He has spent his professional career training individuals, as well as advising and assisting executive leaders in communications, operational planning, vulnerability assessments and mitigation techniques.

Sal brings a passion for helping travelers and TRM teams to become more capable and resilient through all phases of travel operations.

Jamie Williamson is the Executive Director of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers Association (ICoCA), an international multi-stakeholder organization which brings together a global and diverse membership of private security providers, governments and civil society organizations.

He has over 25 years experience with international governmental organisations, multi-stakeholder initiatives and international humanitarian agencies.

Axel Wochinger was an officer in the Austrian Armed Forces, where he gained experience during operations in crisis regions.

After moving into the private security industry, he supported clients in high-risk areas and has completed projects in countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria and South Sudan. Axel Wochinger has been with Result Group since 2017 and was appointed Managing Director in May 2021.

I focus on leveraging software to enhance businesses. My journey started in academia before transitioning to the tech industry, encompassing roles as Head of Operations and Managing Director.

This diverse experience has equipped me with expertise in various business models, effective team management, and navigating diverse cultures. I’m here to help you turn your TRM tech challenges into growth opportunities.

With over 28 years in security and crisis management, Shaun currently serves as Global Head of Security and Operations at AXA Partners, focusing on corporate travel risk management worldwide.

Previously, he was Head of Crisis and Security Management for a Singapore-based risk consultancy, overseeing crisis evacuations and implementing risk plans for multinationals.

In London, Shaun led Security & Risk at Perot Systems, covering Europe and Asia. He also served as a security advisor in Qatar, coordinating with international governments. A former British military counterterrorism specialist, Shaun holds an MSc in Security & Risk Management from Leicester University and is a Fellow of FCiiCM.

Patience is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of expertise in consulting, business development, and SaaS solution sales.

Skilled in value-driven sales, she has a proven track record of managing enterprise-level sales cycles and engaging C-suite stakeholders to secure high-value partnerships. With a strong background in crisis management, AI, and digital transformation, Patience helps organisations navigate complex challenges.

Her experience spans Financial Services, Telecom, Utilities, Retail, and Oil & Gas, where she has led strategic initiatives to develop and implement crisis management and digital transformations that have driven growth and innovation in today’s dynamic business environment.

Frank, the Regional Security Director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, joined the Zurich family in February 2021, bringing over 20 years of expertise in emergency operations and security risk management.

He is a Global Security Services Team member based in Toronto, providing top-tier travel risk management and consultancy services supported by three 24/7 command centers. Frank’s extensive background includes roles with the Canadian Armed Forces, the United Nations, and the US Government, and he has significant experience in crisis management across various sectors, including mining and energy projects worldwide.

Barry has extensive experience operating at senior marketing management level within the corporate travel sector for more than 25-years.

He’s helped drive marketing strategy and tactical delivery primarily (although not exclusively) for a number of travel management companies that included local national players through to global TMCs.

His driving principle is to help shape an organisation’s brand promise so that it’s true to the customer expectation and service experience.

A Director of Peregrine Risk Management and a Chartered Security Professional, James has over 25-years international security and risk management experience including working in complex and high-risk regions.

He’s implemented travel safety programmes to enable safe and secure travel worldwide and recently developed new security, transportation and incident management chapters for the ABTA Tourism Accommodation Health & Safety Technical Guide. With a Master’s Degree in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management he possesses vast expertise in the delivery of global risk management and security services and was recognised as CIR Risk Management ‘Risk Manager of the Year 2023’.

Bryan is an experienced security and safety professional with over 10 years of experience focused on global security, intelligence, and travel risk management.

He’s currently working with Fora Travel developing a new business model that blends travel risk management as a standard security addition to the current leisure travel model that the leisure travel industry practices.

As well as being active with the Travel Risk Academy, Bryan is also a supportive member of the Granite State Chapter of ASIS International.