TORONTO — Industry partners had the chance to get to know Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette Travel’s new CEO and the first female CEO of the company, at a sophisticated brunch event yesterday at Hotel X Toronto.
In addition to introducing Leibl-Cote, Collette also took the opportunity to send a message regarding the importance of its relationship with its travel partners, including travel advisors, and showcase some of its leadership team.
Collette’s VP, Canada Ron Lonsdale shows off Collette’s sedan service
Leibl-Cote is the fourth CEO in Collette’s 106-year history. She’s also the third generation of the Sullivan tribe leading the company. The news was first announced in October 2023, when Leibl-Cote’s father, then-CEO Dan Sullivan, Jr., moved into the role of Executive Chairman.
Travelweek was on hand at yesterday’s event and had the opportunity to sit down with the new CEO, to ask her a few questions as she gets settled in her new role.
For a little introduction to get to know her: “I’ve been in the business for 19 years since 2005,” said Leibl-Cote. “I feel I’m well-rounded in understanding the business, what it was and what it has evolved to. I feel there’s a lot of great opportunities.”
She took a moment to recognize the fabulous support she has in the role. “I have a really strong team of people and leaders that support me, believe in me.” That was followed by a smidgeon of advice: “You also have to believe in yourself!”
She spoke about the family ties at the company. “My Dad felt it was time to transition. He’s still working every single day, and he wants to as it’s his passion. He does give me the free reign to drive the direction and the vision, and he gives me his points of view. It’s always great to have his lens, and my lens, plus others.”
Leibl-Cote added that she was ready to hit the ground running. “I’ve been leading a lot in the background, even prior to the announcement and the transition taking place, running the strategy and vision and direction. Small-group exploration was something I really pushed to the forefront, as we had that product line since 2008 but it could never stand on its own. That’s really moved post-pandemic because of multiple strategies, it’s now quadruple the numbers it was pre-pandemic and it’s continuing to grow. It was a vision from me, but it took the execution of many to make this happen.”
Her message to Canadian travel agents? “Collette is trustworthy and we have plenty of integrity. Integrity comes in multiple ways. It’s how we handled the pandemic in refunding over $200 million. We did this in October for Israel, we refunded more than $24 million because we cancelled those tours. It’s the right thing to do!”
No doubt travel advisors will remember (and appreciate) that in September 2020, as the pandemic raged on, Collette implemented up-front commissions so agents would get partial commission once the deposit was received, with the rest coming post-departure. This is a company that has always had travel advisors’ backs.
Leibl-Cote’s parting message is this: “If you’re not working with us today, I would urge you to take a look at what Collette is and who we are. I think we have a really powerful story and I know we have a really great product as we put 100% of our efforts into making guided travel the best.”
Also at yesterday’s event, Collette set up a sedan display, to showcase this transportation option for clients. As Ron Lonsdale, Vice President, Canada, explained, “with our air-inclusive packages, we provide door-to-door sedan service to and from their home and in destination within a 100-kilometre radius. Clients have communicated that this service offers peace of mind.” SUVs are available for larger groups.
To learn more about the company, visit GoCollette.com.
