BERKELEY, CA — Backroads has expanded its top management team with two new appointments.
Avery Hale Smith, who joined Backroads in 2020 to head up the Sales and Guest Experience departments, has been named as the company’s new Executive Vice President. Prior to joining Backroads, she held leadership roles in new business development and customer experience at EVERFI and ClearPoint Strategy.
As the daughter of Backroads Founder, President and CEO Tom Hale, Hale Smith says that she’s “been lucky enough to grow up alongside Backroads and watch its evolution over time,” and that she’s “looking forward to continuing to work with my dad, learning from him and helping guide Backroads into the future as we continue to grow and strive for excellence in all areas of the company.”
On his daughter’s new appointment, Hale said: “Avery joined Backroads at the same age I was when I started the company, and I’m thrilled that she has chosen to accompany me on the continued adventure that is Backroads, creating amazing experiences and introducing the wonders of active travel to more people.”
Rounding out the new executive team is Sean Harrington, who assumes the role of Chief Operating Officer after having previously been with the company as a Trip Leader. Prior to joining Backroads, he held executive positions at Fortune 500 corporations and technology companies where he gained invaluable experience in business development, technology solutions, sales and general management.
“My passion has always centered on active travel and returning to Backroads truly feels like coming home,” says Harrington. “I’m excited to work alongside Tom and Avery and the entire executive team, applying the insights I’ve garnered from beyond the travel sector.”
Backroads will be celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2024 with the rollout of over 30 new trips, including departures to new regions as well as Dolce Tempo Family Trips and recently launched Women’s Adventures. Following positive feedback about its women-only Walking & Hiking trips, the company also added Biking and Multi-Adventure Trips to its new offering.
Backroads’ collection of more than 30 new trips – including Denmark Islands, Finland Northern Lights, Portugal’s Azores, Madrid to Valencia, Tasmania, Turkey and Women’s Adventures – are all available for immediate booking. For the complete list of Backroads trips and for more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.
