Direct Travel Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Direct Travel has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, human capital, and operational management.

Focused on delivering customized corporate travel solutions, Direct Travel empowers organizations to optimize travel investments through a blend of personalized service and innovative technology that prioritizes policy compliance and traveler satisfaction.

Leadership Roles at Direct Travel

  • Chief Executive Officer - Christal Bemont
  • Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer - Deanna Cassano
  • Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Minielly
  • President - Sam DeFranco
  • President - Lisa Buckner
  • President - Gerard Bellino
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Allison Breeding
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Katherine Creek
  • Chief Sales Officer (CSO) - Todd Pelletier
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Katherine Kay
  • Christal Bemont - Chief Executive Officer

    Christal Bemont, the Chief Executive Officer at Direct Travel, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Bemont architects the company's approach to corporate travel management, ensuring that service models align with the evolving financial and operational needs of global clients. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the Chief Executive Officer drives the integration of innovative technology with personalized service to maximize the value of business travel investments. Bemont maintains close alignment with the Board and senior leadership to ensure consistent growth and market leadership. Through the implementation of robust travel programs, Christal Bemont secures the company's position as a premier provider in the hospitality sector. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge while delivering superior traveler experiences across diverse organizational landscapes.
    Christal Bemont

    Deanna Cassano - Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer

    Deanna Cassano, the Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer at Direct Travel, coordinates the strategic priorities and operational flow within the executive office. Cassano directs the execution of key initiatives, ensuring that the Chief Executive Officer's vision translates into actionable business outcomes. By facilitating communication across departments, the Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer maintains alignment between the leadership team and the broader organization. Cassano manages complex projects that require cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that all efforts support the company's mission of optimizing corporate travel programs. Deanna Cassano drives efficiency by streamlining decision-making processes and managing high-priority tasks. This leadership role involves acting as a primary liaison for the executive office, ensuring that strategic goals remain the focus of daily operations. Through meticulous coordination, the Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer supports the company's overall growth and operational success.

    Matthew Minielly - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Minielly, the Chief Financial Officer at Direct Travel, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire enterprise. Minielly oversees financial planning, reporting, and cost optimization initiatives that directly support the company's mission of delivering high-value travel programs. By analyzing complex travel data, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that corporate clients achieve maximum efficiency and financial control within their travel budgets. Minielly collaborates with the executive team to assess investment opportunities and mitigate risks associated with global market fluctuations. Matthew Minielly drives the financial rigor necessary to sustain long-term profitability and operational stability. This role involves maintaining transparency with stakeholders while providing the analytical foundation for strategic decision-making. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to scale operations effectively while maintaining a focus on cost-effective service delivery for all corporate partners.
    Matthew Minielly

    Sam DeFranco - President

    Sam DeFranco, the President at Direct Travel, directs the operational execution and service delivery standards for the company's core business units. DeFranco architects the processes that enable the organization to provide highly customized travel programs to its clients. By overseeing day-to-day operations, the President ensures that service delivery remains consistent with the company's commitment to efficiency and traveler satisfaction. DeFranco collaborates with the executive team to refine service models and integrate new technologies that enhance the traveler experience. Sam DeFranco drives the implementation of operational strategies that support the company's growth and market presence. This leadership role involves managing the performance of key service departments and ensuring that all operations align with the company's financial and strategic objectives. Through focused operational management, the President ensures that the organization continues to deliver value and reliability to its corporate partners.

    Lisa Buckner - President

    Lisa Buckner, the President at Direct Travel, directs the strategic development and expansion of the company's service offerings within the corporate travel sector. Buckner architects initiatives that focus on enhancing the traveler experience and improving policy compliance for corporate clients. By overseeing the integration of innovative tools, the President ensures that the company's travel programs remain at the cutting edge of the industry. Buckner collaborates with client-facing teams to identify emerging needs and adapt service strategies accordingly. Lisa Buckner drives the company's efforts to optimize travel programs, ensuring that organizations achieve maximum value from their business travel investments. This leadership role involves managing key client relationships and overseeing the delivery of high-touch service models. Through strategic oversight, the President ensures that the organization maintains its reputation for excellence and continues to meet the evolving requirements of its diverse client base.

    Gerard Bellino - President

    Gerard Bellino, the President at Direct Travel, directs the technological integration and digital transformation efforts that support the company's travel management services. Bellino architects the implementation of advanced platforms that enable organizations to manage their travel programs with greater control and efficiency. By overseeing the digital roadmap, the President ensures that the company's technology stack aligns with the needs of modern corporate travelers. Bellino collaborates with the product and operations teams to develop solutions that simplify policy compliance and enhance the overall traveler experience. Gerard Bellino drives the adoption of innovative tools that provide clients with actionable insights into their travel patterns and financial priorities. This leadership role involves managing the technological infrastructure that underpins the company's service model. Through strategic digital leadership, the President ensures that the organization remains a leader in providing technology-enabled travel management solutions.

    Allison Breeding - Chief Marketing Officer

    Allison Breeding, the Chief Marketing Officer at Direct Travel, architects the brand identity and market positioning strategies for the organization. Breeding directs all marketing initiatives, focusing on communicating the value of customized travel programs to a global audience. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer enhances the visibility of the company's service model, ensuring that corporate clients understand the benefits of policy compliance and traveler satisfaction. Breeding collaborates with sales and product teams to align messaging with the specific needs of diverse industries. Allison Breeding drives demand generation and brand awareness, solidifying the company's reputation as a leader in corporate travel management. This leadership role involves managing digital presence and industry partnerships to expand market reach. Through strategic communication, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the company's unique approach to travel management remains at the forefront of the industry.
    Allison Breeding

    Katherine Creek - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Katherine Creek, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Direct Travel, manages the talent acquisition, development, and organizational culture initiatives for the company. Creek directs human capital strategies that support the delivery of high-quality, personalized travel services. By fostering an environment of professional growth, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Creek collaborates with other C-suite leaders to implement performance management systems that drive operational efficiency. Katherine Creek executes programs designed to attract and retain top talent, which is essential for maintaining the company's service standards. This leadership role involves overseeing employee engagement and organizational development to support the company's long-term objectives. Through effective human resources management, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization possesses the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of the corporate travel sector.
    Katherine Creek

    Todd Pelletier - Chief Sales Officer (CSO)

    Todd Pelletier, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Direct Travel, directs the global sales strategy and revenue growth initiatives for the organization. Pelletier architects the approach to acquiring new corporate clients, focusing on demonstrating the value of customized travel programs. By overseeing the sales pipeline, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) ensures that the company meets its revenue targets while expanding its footprint in key markets. Pelletier collaborates with marketing and operations teams to tailor solutions that address the specific travel patterns and financial priorities of prospective clients. Todd Pelletier drives the expansion of the company's client base, emphasizing the importance of policy compliance and duty of care. This leadership role involves managing high-performing sales teams and fostering long-term relationships with key decision-makers. Through strategic sales execution, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) ensures that the company continues to lead in the competitive corporate travel management landscape.

    Katherine Kay - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Katherine Kay, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Direct Travel, manages the internal infrastructure and employee experience programs that support the company's service delivery. Kay directs initiatives focused on workforce training and leadership development, ensuring that staff members possess the skills required to manage complex travel programs. By implementing policies that promote inclusivity and high performance, the Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the organizational culture. Kay collaborates with department heads to align human capital strategies with the company's operational goals. Katherine Kay drives the development of internal systems that enhance employee productivity and satisfaction. This leadership role involves overseeing compensation, benefits, and talent management to ensure the company remains an employer of choice. Through strategic human resources oversight, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains the operational capacity to deliver superior travel management services to its diverse client base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Direct Travel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Direct Travel?
    Direct Travel is led by Christal Bemont (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Deanna Cassano (Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer) and Matthew Minielly (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Direct Travel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Direct Travel includes leaders such as Christal Bemont (Chief Executive Officer), Deanna Cassano (Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Minielly (Chief Financial 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, Executive Business Partner and Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President.