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Online travel group Webjet Group (ASX: WJL) has appointed Nicole Sheffield as its new managing director and CEO, ending a months-long leadership search triggered by the resignation of former chief Katrina Barry earlier this year.
Until last year, Sheffield led Wesfarmers' OneDigital division overseeing the retail conglomerate's enterprise data and digital strategy including the OnePass membership program and Catch marketplace,
The appointment comes as Webjet navigates a difficult trading environment, with the group's FY26 underlying net profit falling 24 per cent to $13.6 million and early FY27 indicators showing online travel agency bookings down 12 per cent and total transaction value down 15 per cent.
Acting CEO Layton Shannos has held the position since 1 June and will continue in the role until Sheffield's start date next Monday, 20 July.
Webjet's interim chair Dr Gary Weiss says Sheffield's appointment followed a comprehensive search process.
"Nicole will lead the execution of the company's strategy, with a focus on sustainable growth, driving operational excellence and innovation and delivering long-term value," says Weiss.
"Nicole brings deep commercial, digital, and customer leadership experience, together with proven expertise in building and scaling digital platforms, consumer marketplaces, and data-driven businesses.
"Her track record of leading transformation and delivering sustainable growth makes her well-placed to build on the strong foundations already in place and lead Webjet Group through its next phase of growth."
Before leading OneDigital, Sheffield held senior roles across media and digital businesses.
Her appointment gives Webjet a leader with direct experience scaling membership programs and marketplace platforms, capabilities that the travel group has been building out through its OTA division.
“Webjet has built one of Australia’s most trusted and recognised travel brands and has a strong platform for future growth," says Sheffield.
"I look forward to working with the board and the talented Webjet team to build on the momentum already under way.
"Together, we have an opportunity to make travel planning simpler, more personalised and more rewarding for customers, while delivering sustainable long-term value for our partners and shareholders.”
Sheffield's total annual fixed remuneration has been set at $750,000 inclusive of superannuation.
Barry's departure earlier this year followed a turbulent chapter for Webjet as the group faced challenging conditions weighing on holiday bookings across its consumer-facing brands.
The leadership transition has also unfolded against the backdrop of a concentrated share register following separate takeover bids last year from Helloworld Travel (ASX: HLO) and private equity firm BGH Capital, both of which failed to proceed.
Helloworld Travel holds 19.96 per cent of Webjet, BGH Capital controls 13.28 per cent, Moelis Australia holds 9.81 per cent and entities associated with Weiss and Ariadne Australia hold about 5.6 per cent, meaning nearly 48 per cent of the company sits with four substantial holders.
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