Intrepid Travel promotes Kate Cropper to global executive team

August, 2026

Group General Counsel and Corporate Governance appointed to new leadership role

Intrepid Travel has announced the appointment of Kate Cropper to its executive leadership team in the newly expanded role of Group General Counsel and Corporate Governance, reporting to CEO James Thornton.

This further strengthens Intrepid's executive leadership capability as the company grows globally with an aim of achieving $1.3bn annual revenue and 600,000 customers by 2030.

In addition to existing responsibilities as Group General Counsel, Cropper will lead corporate governance, reflecting the growing scale of the Intrepid business globally.

Melbourne-based Cropper has two decades of legal and governance experience across Australia and the UK. She started her career working in private practice at a leading global top-tier law firm before moving into senior in-house legal leadership roles.

She joined Intrepid in 2019 and has played a significant role in helping to guide the business through the pandemic and in its capital raise in 2021. She’s led legal support for major strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, international expansion, governance and risk management.

Cropper is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and the University of Adelaide, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) with Honours and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Media, and Environmental Studies.

James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid said Cropper’s appointment is a reflection of her outstretched impact and Intrepid's commitment to developing future leaders from within.

“Kate embodies our values, lives our mission, and is humble, hungry and smart. She's consistently shown commercial know-how and been willing to challenge conventional thinking. Her expertise in legal and governance is exceptional and her ability to think strategically will make us a better business,” said Thornton.

Kate Cropper added: “Every day is an adventure at Intrepid and I’m proud to be taking this next step with a global business that balances commercial ambition with investing in communities and people. By building a culture of strong governance, we will be able to innovate, grow more effectively and have even more positive impact.”