Direct Travel Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Direct Travel has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, operations, sales, human resources, and regional management.

Focused on delivering customized corporate travel programs, Direct Travel optimizes business travel investments through a blend of personalized service and innovative technology to ensure maximum efficiency and traveler satisfaction.

Leadership Roles at Direct Travel

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ed Adams
  • Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Minielly
  • Chief Operating Officer - Christine Sikes
  • President - Gerard Bellino
  • President - Sam DeFranco
  • President - Lisa Buckner
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Allison Breeding
  • Chief Sales Officer (CSO) - Todd Pelletier
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Katherine Kay
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Katherine Creek
  • Ed Adams - Chief Executive Officer

    Ed Adams, the Chief Executive Officer at Direct Travel, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Adams architects the company's approach to corporate travel management, ensuring that service models align with the evolving financial priorities of global clients. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer drives the integration of innovative technology into daily travel operations. Ed Adams maintains oversight of the executive team, ensuring that all departments support the core mission of optimizing travel programs for diverse organizations. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the hospitality sector. Through rigorous focus on policy compliance and duty of care, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's position as a leader in travel management. Adams consistently evaluates performance metrics to guarantee that client investments yield maximum value across all operational channels.
    Ed Adams

    Matthew Minielly - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Minielly, the Chief Financial Officer at Direct Travel, directs the financial health and fiscal planning of the organization. Minielly architects the budgetary frameworks that support the company's commitment to cost optimization for corporate clients. Overseeing financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all travel programs remain aligned with the financial priorities of the business. Matthew Minielly manages capital allocation to support the development of new travel technology tools. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to monitor revenue growth and operational efficiency. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer drives the stability required to maintain high-quality service standards. Minielly evaluates the economic impact of travel policies, ensuring that clients achieve maximum value from every business travel investment. The Chief Financial Officer maintains a focus on long-term fiscal sustainability and strategic investment.
    Matthew Minielly

    Christine Sikes - Chief Operating Officer

    Christine Sikes, the Chief Operating Officer at Direct Travel, directs the daily execution of corporate travel management services. Sikes architects the operational workflows that enable the company to deliver highly customized travel programs to diverse clients. Overseeing service delivery teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every traveler experience meets the highest standards of efficiency and support. Christine Sikes manages the implementation of policy compliance tools, helping organizations maintain control over travel expenditures. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to improve responsiveness to client needs. By coordinating with regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer drives consistency in service quality across all markets. Sikes focuses on the integration of technology and human expertise to solve complex travel logistics. The Chief Operating Officer maintains a commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that the company's service model remains agile and responsive to the evolving requirements of corporate partners.
    Christine Sikes

    Gerard Bellino - President

    Gerard Bellino, the President at Direct Travel, directs the strategic execution of regional business operations. Bellino architects the initiatives that expand the company's footprint in key markets, focusing on the delivery of customized travel programs. Overseeing regional performance, the President ensures that local teams maintain the high standards of service expected by corporate clients. Gerard Bellino manages the integration of new business units into the broader organizational structure. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to ensure that regional activities support the company's overall mission. By driving operational efficiency at the regional level, the President supports the company's goal of maximizing the value of business travel investments. Bellino maintains a focus on client retention and the development of strong local partnerships. The President coordinates with other leaders to ensure that regional strategies remain aligned with the company's core business model and financial priorities.

    Sam DeFranco - President

    Sam DeFranco, the President at Direct Travel, directs the development and implementation of specialized service offerings. DeFranco architects the strategies that allow the company to address the unique travel patterns and operational requirements of specific client segments. Overseeing the delivery of high-touch travel management services, the President ensures that client needs are met with precision and care. Sam DeFranco manages the collaboration between service teams and technology partners to enhance the traveler experience. This leadership role involves identifying opportunities for service innovation that differentiate the company in the competitive travel sector. By focusing on the quality of service delivery, the President drives client satisfaction and loyalty. DeFranco maintains a commitment to understanding the evolving needs of corporate organizations. The President coordinates with the executive team to ensure that service strategies support the company's broader goals of efficiency, control, and superior traveler experience.

    Lisa Buckner - President

    Lisa Buckner, the President at Direct Travel, directs the strategic alignment of client-facing programs with the company's core mission. Buckner architects the frameworks that enable the company to design and manage travel programs that reflect the unique corporate culture of each client. Overseeing the relationship management teams, the President ensures that the company's approach remains rooted in collaboration and customization. Lisa Buckner manages the evaluation of travel program performance, helping clients achieve their financial and operational objectives. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to refine the company's service model. By focusing on the strategic needs of corporate partners, the President drives the development of tailored solutions that emphasize policy compliance and cost optimization. Buckner maintains a commitment to delivering superior value through personalized service. The President coordinates with other leaders to ensure that client-facing strategies remain consistent with the company's overall market position.
    Lisa Buckner

    Allison Breeding - Chief Marketing Officer

    Allison Breeding, the Chief Marketing Officer at Direct Travel, directs all brand positioning and market outreach initiatives. Breeding architects the communication strategies that highlight the company's ability to deliver highly customized travel programs. Overseeing the development of digital campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of Direct Travel reaches key decision-makers across North American markets. Allison Breeding manages the alignment between marketing efforts and the specific needs of corporate clients, emphasizing the importance of personalized service. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to refine messaging and improve lead generation efficiency. By coordinating with the sales department, the Chief Marketing Officer drives brand awareness and supports the acquisition of new business. Breeding maintains a focus on demonstrating how the company's innovative technology solutions solve complex travel management challenges for organizations of all sizes.
    Allison Breeding

    Todd Pelletier - Chief Sales Officer (CSO)

    Todd Pelletier, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Direct Travel, directs the expansion of the company's client base and revenue growth. Pelletier architects the sales strategies that connect organizations with tailored travel management solutions. Overseeing the sales force, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) ensures that the company's value proposition is clearly communicated to prospective clients. Todd Pelletier manages the development of partnerships that align with the company's focus on cost optimization and traveler satisfaction. This leadership role involves identifying new market opportunities and tailoring sales approaches to meet specific industry nuances. By driving the acquisition of new accounts, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) supports the overall growth objectives of the organization. Pelletier maintains a focus on building long-term relationships with corporate partners, ensuring that sales efforts translate into sustained business success. The Chief Sales Officer (CSO) coordinates with other executives to ensure that sales promises align with operational capabilities.

    Katherine Kay - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Katherine Kay, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Direct Travel, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Kay architects the internal programs that foster a culture of service excellence and collaboration. Overseeing employee engagement, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's mission to provide superior travel management. Katherine Kay manages the recruitment of top-tier talent to support the company's growth in the hospitality sector. This leadership role involves designing training initiatives that enhance the skills of staff members who interact directly with corporate clients. By prioritizing professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the retention of high-performing employees. Kay maintains a focus on creating an inclusive environment that supports the diverse needs of the organization. The Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with the executive team to ensure that human capital strategies support the company's broader business objectives.

    Katherine Creek - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Katherine Creek, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Direct Travel, directs the administrative and compliance frameworks for the company's workforce. Creek architects the policies that govern employee performance and operational standards across all departments. Overseeing the implementation of HR technology, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains efficient internal processes. Katherine Creek manages the alignment of workforce capabilities with the company's strategic goals in the corporate travel sector. This leadership role involves monitoring labor trends to ensure that the company remains a competitive employer. By focusing on organizational structure, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives the efficiency required to support large-scale travel management operations. Creek maintains a commitment to fostering a productive work environment that enables staff to deliver high-quality service to clients. The Chief Human Resources Officer coordinates with leadership to ensure that human resources practices support the company's long-term growth and stability.
    Katherine Creek

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Direct Travel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Direct Travel?
    Direct Travel is led by Ed Adams (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Minielly (Chief Financial Officer) and Christine Sikes (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Direct Travel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Direct Travel includes leaders such as Ed Adams (Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Minielly (Chief Financial Officer), Christine Sikes (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Direct Travel have?
    Direct Travel has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Direct Travel’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Direct Travel includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, President.