Webjet Group announces the resignation of CEO Katrina Barry, who led the company through a major demerger and strategic overhaul. The company reaffirms its FY26 EBITDA guidance despite ongoing leadership changes.
- Katrina Barry resigns as Managing Director and CEO
- Led successful demerger and ASX listing of Webjet’s B2C business
- Developed new five-year strategic roadmap for Webjet Group
- FY26 Underlying EBITDA guidance reaffirmed at $28–29 million
- Business travel segment expected to reduce EBITDA by $600k–900k in 2H26
Leadership Change at a Critical Juncture
Webjet Group Limited (ASX:WJL) has announced the resignation of its Managing Director and CEO, Ms Katrina Barry, who has been at the helm during a transformative period for the company. Barry, who initially joined as a non-executive director in 2022, took over as CEO of the B2C business in June 2024, steering the company through a pivotal demerger and subsequent ASX listing.
Chairman Don Clarke expressed gratitude for Barry’s leadership, highlighting her role in repositioning the newly formed Webjet Group. Under her guidance, the company crafted a comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap, upgraded its brand and marketing efforts, and enhanced technology and business travel platforms. These initiatives laid the foundation for what Clarke described as a "significant transformation" of the business.
Strategic Progress and Future Outlook
Barry reflected on her tenure with pride, noting the revitalisation of Webjet’s iconic online travel agency brand and the improved profitability of its New Zealand operations. She also emphasised the evolution of the company’s technology and leadership capabilities, which she believes position Webjet well for future growth. As a shareholder and supporter, Barry expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory beyond her departure.
Despite global uncertainties impacting travel behaviour, Webjet reports resilient demand, particularly for domestic and short-haul travel within Asia and the Pacific. The company reaffirmed its FY26 guidance, expecting Underlying EBITDA between $28 million and $29 million. However, the business travel segment is anticipated to reduce EBITDA by approximately $600,000 to $900,000 in the second half of the year, consistent with prior forecasts.
Transition and Market Implications
The Board has initiated a search for Barry’s successor and plans to provide updates as the process unfolds. Barry will remain with Webjet to ensure a smooth transition and to support the completion of the company’s full-year results due in May 2026. This leadership change comes at a critical time as Webjet navigates both internal transformation and external market challenges.
Investors will be watching closely to see how the new leadership will sustain momentum and execute the strategic plan laid out under Barry’s tenure. The reaffirmed financial guidance offers some reassurance, but the evolving travel landscape and competitive pressures will test the company’s resilience in the months ahead.
Bottom Line?
Webjet’s leadership shift marks a new chapter amid steady financial guidance and ongoing market challenges.
Questions in the middle?
- Who will be appointed as the new CEO and what strategic direction will they pursue?
- How will the leadership transition impact Webjet’s operational execution and market confidence?
- Can Webjet sustain its growth trajectory amid global travel uncertainties and competitive pressures?