Executive Team
John Thorburn
Chief Executive Officer
John Thorburn joined Entrada Travel Group as its Chief Executive in 2014, having previously led Ngai Tahu Tourism for a period of eight years. Across a diverse career history to date, John has held senior positions in a range of industries spanning transport and tourism, manufacturing, FMCG and telecommunications, with organisations including Lion Nathan, Carter Holt Harvey and British Telecom.
John has served as a Board Member for Tourism Industry Aotearoa, the New Zealand Conservation Authority and as a Director of Tourism New Zealand. John holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Auckland and is a Chartered Accountant.
Lindsay Render
Chief Financial Officer
Lindsay joined Entrada Travel Group in June 2023. Prior to this, she held the role of NZ Head of Finance for GWA Group and Methven Limited, and before this held Chief Financial Officer roles in Trilogy International Limited and Power Finance Limited. Lindsay has a wealth of experience in senior finance positions across a variety of industries listed on the NZX and ASX. She is an energetic leader with a strong focus on being a values led coach to support and develop people to reach their potential.
Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Chartered Accountant.
Sam Peate
Chief Operating Officer, New Zealand
Sam joined Entrada Travel Group in 2007 as General Manager, Coaching, in 2016 was appointed General Manager – New Zealand Coachlines and Auckland Tourism, and in 2022 was appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) – NZ, reflecting the growth in the business. Sam holds a position on the Advisory Board for the International Travel College of New Zealand and is involved in a number of tourism industry advocacy groups.
Sam’s entire career has been in tourism and transport, having started while still a schoolboy as a car detailer for a rental vehicle company. Prior to joining Entrada Travel Group, Sam was National Operations Manager, GreatSights at Tourism Holdings Limited. Sam holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Canterbury University, majoring in Marketing and Operations Management.
Daniel Rode
General Manager, Marketing & Technology
Daniel has been General Manager Digital & Brand at Entrada Travel Group since 2016, having joined in 2006 as Sales & Marketing Manager and becoming General Manager Online Sales & Marketing in 2010. During this period he has overseen the evolution of the group marketing and e-commerce presence, from its origins as a domestic transport provider to its position today as a global tourism group.
Daniel also leads the Information Technology team, overseeing function and efficiency of technology related systems across the group. Daniel has led product launches and rebrands of numerous brands within the group including InterCity, GreatSights, Auckland Explorer Bus, Skip and the evolution from InterCity Group to Entrada Travel Group. He is regularly involved with tourism advisory groups in New Zealand and Australia and has also been a board member of the New Zealand Backpacker Youth & Adventure Tourism Association. Prior to joining the tourism industry Daniel held several senior sales roles with Coca Cola Amatil NZ.
Anna Hay
Chief People Officer
Anna joined Entrada Travel Group in April 2024 bringing a wealth of experience in strategic and operational HR leadership roles across New Zealand and Australia. Anna’s strength lies in her diverse industry experience in private, corporate, and not for profit organisations. Anna has a proven track record of creating and delivering innovative people strategies and HR best practice to drive business success and create a safe and inclusive workplace culture.
She has had extensive exposure to complex and high-risk environments, including her most recent People and Culture executive management role in the Australian disability sector.
Anna holds a Bachelor of Science, majoring in psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management.
