awayday Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Awayday has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational logistics, brand development, and resort management.

Focused on fostering genuine human connection through curated travel, [[Awayday]] delivers transformative group experiences that balance professional collaboration with leisure and adventure across diverse global destinations.

Leadership Roles at awayday

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jakob Dwyer
  • Chief Financial Officer - David Reed
  • Chief Operating Officer - Dan Yankley
  • Chief Operating Officer, Drove Organic & Inorganic Ebitda Growth For PE-Backed Portfolio Company - Matthew Loney
  • President, Brand - Rj McClure
  • President, Training, Operations Immersion - Austin Kurke
  • Regional President, Brand - William Sangster
  • President of Resort Rentals - Charles Cannella
  • Regional President - Edward Lugo
  • Jakob Dwyer - Chief Executive Officer

    Jakob Dwyer, the Chief Executive Officer at awayday, directs the overarching vision and strategic trajectory of the organization. By aligning corporate objectives with the evolving needs of modern teams, Dwyer architects high-impact travel solutions that prioritize meaningful connection and professional development. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous oversight of market expansion initiatives, ensuring the company remains a leader in the competitive hospitality sector. Jakob Dwyer cultivates essential vendor relationships and drives the long-term growth strategy, positioning the firm as a premier partner for corporate retreats and social group travel. Through constant evaluation of industry trends, the Chief Executive Officer identifies new opportunities for service innovation. This leadership role demands a deep understanding of group dynamics and logistical complexity, areas where Dwyer excels. By championing a culture of excellence, the Chief Executive Officer ensures every curated experience delivers exceptional value to clients seeking unique, memorable, and collaborative travel environments.
    Jakob Dwyer

    David Reed - Chief Financial Officer

    David Reed, the Chief Financial Officer at awayday, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies necessary for sustainable business expansion. Overseeing complex budgeting processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures financial resources support the delivery of premium travel experiences and corporate retreats. David Reed monitors revenue streams across all service lines, providing the analytical rigor required to optimize profitability while maintaining high service standards. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to assess the financial viability of new destination partnerships and logistical investments. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and secures the capital foundation for future growth. Reed drives efficiency in procurement and vendor management, directly impacting the bottom line. Through meticulous financial planning and performance analysis, the Chief Financial Officer enables the company to scale operations effectively, ensuring long-term stability and continued investment in the unique, connection-focused travel products that define the brand.

    Dan Yankley - Chief Operating Officer

    Dan Yankley, the Chief Operating Officer at awayday, directs the internal infrastructure and logistical execution of all group travel programs. Overseeing the end-to-end coordination of corporate retreats and social getaways, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless delivery from initial planning to final trip execution. Dan Yankley optimizes operational workflows, focusing on the intricate details of destination selection, accommodation booking, and on-site activity management. This leadership role requires constant coordination with field teams to maintain high standards of service and participant satisfaction. By refining the logistical processes that simplify multi-person travel, the Chief Operating Officer removes friction for clients, allowing participants to focus entirely on connection and collaboration. Yankley drives operational excellence by integrating technology into trip planning, ensuring scalability across diverse geographic markets. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that every experience aligns with the company mission of fostering genuine, memorable moments for all travelers.
    Dan Yankley

    Matthew Loney - Chief Operating Officer, Drove Organic & Inorganic Ebitda Growth For PE-Backed Portfolio Company

    Matthew Loney, the Chief Operating Officer, Drove Organic & Inorganic Ebitda Growth For PE-Backed Portfolio Company at awayday, architects strategies for rapid operational scaling and profitability enhancement. Focusing on the integration of new service capabilities, the Chief Operating Officer, Drove Organic & Inorganic Ebitda Growth For PE-Backed Portfolio Company drives the expansion of the company footprint through both internal development and strategic acquisitions. Matthew Loney analyzes operational performance metrics to identify areas for margin improvement and efficiency gains within the travel coordination framework. This leadership role involves aligning operational capacity with the increasing demand for high-end corporate retreats and team-building experiences. By streamlining complex logistical chains, the Chief Operating Officer, Drove Organic & Inorganic Ebitda Growth For PE-Backed Portfolio Company ensures that growth remains sustainable and profitable. Loney manages the transition of new assets into the existing service portfolio, maintaining consistent quality across all client engagements. Through data-driven decision-making, the Chief Operating Officer, Drove Organic & Inorganic Ebitda Growth For PE-Backed Portfolio Company secures the financial and operational health of the organization.

    Rj McClure - President, Brand

    Rj McClure, the President, Brand at awayday, directs the creative identity and market positioning of the company. Overseeing all marketing and communication strategies, the President, Brand ensures the company value proposition resonates with corporate clients and social groups seeking meaningful travel experiences. Rj McClure architects campaigns that highlight the unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection inherent in every curated trip. This leadership role involves managing the brand narrative across all digital and physical touchpoints, reinforcing the reputation of the firm as a leader in the travel industry. By analyzing consumer preferences and market trends, the President, Brand identifies new opportunities to engage target audiences and expand the reach of the brand. McClure drives consistency in messaging, ensuring that every client interaction reflects the core mission of fostering genuine human connection. Through strategic brand management, the President, Brand strengthens the market presence of the company, driving demand for its comprehensive, end-to-end travel planning services.

    Austin Kurke - President, Training, Operations Immersion

    Austin Kurke, the President, Training, Operations Immersion at awayday, directs the development of staff expertise and the refinement of on-site service delivery. Overseeing the training programs that prepare teams to manage complex group logistics, the President, Training, Operations Immersion ensures that every facilitator possesses the skills to foster genuine connection and collaboration among participants. Austin Kurke architects immersive operational frameworks that allow staff to handle the nuances of corporate retreats and team-building activities with precision. This leadership role involves standardizing service protocols to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience across all destinations. By focusing on the human element of travel, the President, Training, Operations Immersion drives the company commitment to creating environments that balance structured work with leisure. Kurke monitors the effectiveness of training initiatives, continuously updating curricula to meet the evolving needs of corporate clients. Through this dedication to operational immersion, the President, Training, Operations Immersion guarantees that every trip delivers on the promise of meaningful, memorable shared experiences.

    William Sangster - Regional President, Brand

    William Sangster, the Regional President, Brand at awayday, directs the brand strategy and market penetration within specific geographic territories. Overseeing regional operations, the Regional President, Brand ensures that the company service offerings are tailored to the unique cultural and business requirements of the local market. William Sangster architects partnerships with regional vendors and venues, expanding the network of available destinations for corporate retreats and group travel. This leadership role involves managing the regional brand presence, ensuring that marketing efforts align with the broader company mission while addressing local client needs. By analyzing regional performance data, the Regional President, Brand identifies opportunities for growth and service optimization. Sangster drives the execution of regional initiatives, ensuring that every client receives a curated experience that reflects the high standards of the brand. Through effective regional leadership, the Regional President, Brand strengthens the overall market position of the company, facilitating the delivery of meaningful travel experiences across diverse operational landscapes.

    Charles Cannella - President of Resort Rentals

    Charles Cannella, the President of Resort Rentals at awayday, directs the acquisition and management of high-quality accommodation assets used for corporate retreats and group getaways. Overseeing the portfolio of resort properties, the President of Resort Rentals ensures that every location provides the ideal environment for connection, relaxation, and team-building. Charles Cannella architects relationships with property owners and management firms, securing exclusive access to venues that meet the rigorous standards of the company. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of property utilization, ensuring that accommodations are perfectly suited for the specific needs of each group. By focusing on the quality and suitability of the physical environment, the President of Resort Rentals directly impacts the success of the travel experiences provided. Cannella monitors property performance and guest feedback, driving continuous improvements in the resort rental portfolio. Through strategic asset management, the President of Resort Rentals ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in providing unique, memorable travel environments.
    Charles Cannella

    Edward Lugo - Regional President

    Edward Lugo, the Regional President at awayday, directs the operational success and client satisfaction within assigned geographic regions. Overseeing the execution of group travel and corporate retreats, the Regional President ensures that all logistical arrangements meet the specific goals and budgets of local clients. Edward Lugo architects strategies for regional growth, identifying new opportunities to provide curated travel experiences that foster connection and collaboration. This leadership role involves managing local vendor relationships and ensuring that all on-site logistics are handled with the highest level of professionalism. By maintaining a deep understanding of the regional market, the Regional President drives the delivery of customized experiences that balance structured activities with individual exploration. Lugo monitors regional performance metrics, implementing adjustments to improve service efficiency and client outcomes. Through proactive leadership, the Regional President ensures that the company remains a trusted partner for organizations and groups seeking to create meaningful shared experiences within the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding awayday Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads awayday?
    awayday is led by Jakob Dwyer (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as David Reed (Chief Financial Officer) and Dan Yankley (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of awayday’s executive team?
    The executive team of awayday includes leaders such as Jakob Dwyer (Chief Executive Officer), David Reed (Chief Financial Officer), Dan Yankley (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does awayday have?
    awayday has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in awayday’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of awayday includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Drove Organic & Inorganic Ebitda Growth For PE-Backed Portfolio Company, President, Brand.