For the past six years, J.D. O’Hara has actively shaped the corporate structure and cultural ethos of Internova Travel Group. As the company’s CEO, O’Hara operates with a singular vision: simplification. Overseeing a conglomerate that once managed a convoluted assortment of approximately 50 different brands under various domains, O’Hara recognized early on that complexity was not a strength, but rather a barrier to operational excellence and customer engagement. His mission to streamline the organization has become a transformative journey deeply rooted in understanding the emotional ties that individuals have to these brands.
In a recent conversation, O’Hara revealed that his approach to distilling the brand landscape extends beyond mere financial metrics. He views each brand as a reflection of its own culture, values, and legacy—elements that are often intertwined with the personal and professional identities of the stakeholders involved. “Changing cultures is never easy,” he acknowledges, hinting at the profound implications that accompany brand consolidation. Ensuring that employees, partners, and clients are part of this progression is a priority for O’Hara, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and transparency in what can often be a challenging transformation.
Drawing upon his extensive experience in the travel industry, which began with his involvement in the acquisition of Carlson Leisure Group in 2008, O’Hara’s understanding of the brand landscape is nuanced. Transitioning from a senior partner role at Certares Management to the CEO position of Internova in January 2020 has provided him with a holistic view of the operational challenges and opportunities that lie within the travel sector.
Under O’Hara’s leadership, Internova’s operational structure has shifted from a haphazard array of P&Ls and overlapping functions to three distinct divisions focusing on individual advisors, agency partners, and direct engagements with corporate and leisure travelers. Within each segment, O’Hara is now concentrating efforts on streamlining the direct-to-consumer leisure brands. Entities like Barrhead Travel, Travel Leaders Vacation Center, and CruCon Cruise Outlet embody significant potential, yet they require consolidation to sharpen their market focus. The objective is to distill these into two or three prominent brands, maximizing their impact while also reinforcing a coherent identity in the marketplace.
Building Weight and Scale in the Travel Sector
As one of the largest travel services companies globally, Internova enjoys unique leveraging power—serving over 100,000 travel advisors across 6,000 locations worldwide. O’Hara does not overlook the immense responsibility that comes with such scale. He articulates a sense of duty toward uplifting the travel advisor community as a whole. A recent collaboration with NBC, titled “1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club,” stands as a testament to this commitment. The show highlights the work advisors do while aiming to elevate the perception of travel professionals in broader societal contexts.
Despite the company’s peak performance in 2019, where it recorded $7.48 billion in sales, the travel landscape experienced significant disruptions combined with economic fluctuations, resulting in a projected revenue drop to $5.7 billion in 2023. O’Hara sees optimism ahead, articulating his belief that 2024 will be a “banner year” for Internova. He anticipates an upturn in transactions and profitability, even amidst factors like the U.S. presidential elections that have typically induced a travel slowdown.
Resilience Amidst Uncertainty
Interestingly, O’Hara notes a deviation from the cyclical lull that has characterized past election years. He speculates that the pandemic has shifted consumer sentiments, emphasizing a newfound appreciation for travel experiences. “Travel has taken on greater significance,” he suggests, alluding to how recent events have reshaped priorities, leading travelers to book longer trips and venture farther afield.
While remnants of uncertainty continue to loom over various sectors, O’Hara’s steadfast focus on restructuring, cultural sensitivity, and brand consolidation presents a model that can potentially inspire resilience within the travel industry. By deliberating the emotional components linked to these brands while encouraging stakeholder participation, O’Hara is not merely conducting a business reorganization—he is cultivating a narrative of evolution and empowerment, enhancing the industry while navigating its intricate complexities.
J.D. O’Hara’s vision for Internova Travel Group embodies a blend of strategic resilience and cultural consciousness. By pursuing simplification in an industry as multifaceted as travel, he highlights the importance of brand identities and stakeholder engagement. As Internova transitions into a consolidated entity defined by fewer, more focused brands, it sets a course toward greater operational efficiency and connection with consumers. The future promises growth, not only in financial terms but also in fostering a deeper appreciation of the travel experience itself. With this perspective, Internova stands ready to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving market.