The Webjet Group Ltd (ASX: WJL) share price is under the spotlight today after it was announced that the CEO was leaving.
Webjet has an online travel agency (OTA) business for domestic and international travel, a global online vehicle rental business and Trip Ninja, a technology company that helps with complex travel itineraries.
CEO leaves
Webjet announced to the ASX that its Managing Director and CEO Katrina Barry has resigned.
Barry joined the business as a non-executive director in 2022 and started in the role of CEO for the Webjet consumer business in June 2024 at an important time for the business.
Webjet’s board of directors will begin a search for a new CEO and provide an update in due course on the progress of the search.
Barry will remain with Webjet Group to support an “effective transition” and for the completion of its full-year result in May 2026.
Trading update
Webjet noted that while global uncertainty continues to influence travel behaviour, demand to date has remained “resilient”, with travellers increasingly choosing domestic and short-haul destinations across Asia and the Pacific.
The company also took the opportunity to reaffirm its FY26 guidance provided to the market on 13 February 2026 and confirms that the business remains on track to deliver underlying EBITDA (EBITDA explained) in the range of $28 million to $29 million.
That guidance excludes the Webjet business travel segment which is “delivering in line with plan” and is expected to reduce underlying EBITDA by between $0.6 million to $0.9 million in the second half of FY26.
Management commentary
The outgoing CEO Katrina Barry said:
Leading Webjet Group through such a transformative period has been a true privilege.
Over the past 21 months, we have made remarkable progress – setting a new five -year strategy and growth plan for the Group, revitalising the iconic OTA brand and marketing strategy, driving profitability in the New Zealand business units, initiating evolution and enhancement of the technology and business travel platforms, and uplifting leadership capability.
As a shareholder and a great supporter of the business and the team, I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead for Webjet and look forward to watching its continued success.
Final thoughts on the Webjet share price
On paper, Webjet has a compelling future. Travel demand is growing over the long-term, people are increasingly willing to adopt digital tools for tasks, AI can improve efficiencies and help margins.
But, the company is struggling to impress investors. It’s possible that AI (agents) could mean less demand for Webjet’s services over time, depending on how many people take up adoption.
Losing the CEO at a time like this doesn’t help – it could be important how a business navigates the current situation.
Despite the much cheaper valuation, I think there are better ASX growth shares elsewhere.
