Experienced travel industry leaders

Andrew Cefai is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Travel Talent Academy. He spent 25 years living and working across Asia, including 13 years in Japan and almost 12 in Singapore, building an international career in travel, hospitality and financial services. During 11 years with Hilton, Andrew led marketing and loyalty across Asia Pacific before joining Manulife's Global Leadership Team, where he led global brand strategy and digital marketing transformation across 22 markets. Having recruited and developed teams throughout his career, Andrew recognised a gap between traditional education and the practical knowledge employers expect from people entering the travel industry. He co-founded Travel Talent Academy to create stronger, employer-informed pathways into careers in travel and tourism. Today he leads the Academy's strategy, product development, industry partnerships and investor relations.

David Powell has more than 30 years' experience across the travel and financial services industries, including senior leadership positions at American Express and Thomas Cook, with extended international assignments across Japan, Asia, Australia, the USA and Europe. As Chair, David leads investor relations, corporate governance and strategic industry engagement while helping shape the Academy's long-term commercial direction.