Meet the Team
Meet your Gullivers team – they’re a hand-selected bunch of extraordinary individuals who are perpetually inspired by shaping life-changing journeys. Their dedication and experience smoothly guides every trip from inception to destination and home again. You’re in good hands with the Gullivers crew.
KEVIN MALONEY
CEO and Chairman | Gullivers Group
Following his extraordinary experience setting up 12 businesses across many countries as a business executive for Elders Resource, Kevin understands that wanderlust is more than simply a desire for relaxation.
He believes that travel stimulates our brain’s deep need for novel experiences.
For Kevin, this ethos dovetails perfectly with the Gulliver’s values of transformation through travel and its power to connect people, places, and passions.
As the founder of The Tulla Group ( which owns Gullivers), Kevin brings a legacy of entrepreneurial leadership to the company.
Having begun his career in the Australian & New Zealand Bank mailroom at age 15, Kevin’s guiding principles of hard work, curiosity and just showing up has ensured decades of success.
Best known for founding the MAC Services Group, he was also co-owner of Total Sports Travel and has owned Locale Travel (now Gullivers Corporate) since 2021.
Kevin collected his favourite Gulliver’s moment when he was part of the team who took 4500 deeply committed fans to the France Rugby World Cup in 2023.
That trip was the culmination of what Gullivers, and indeed travel, is all about for Kevin – camaraderie, atmosphere, and the unforgettable energy of a singular moment.
Learn more about Kevin & his career highlights here.
MARK MCINTOSH
CFO | Gullivers Group
The only thing that can enhance the thrill of a good holiday for Mark is a quick(ish) 18 holes. When he’s not calculating his handicap, this golf-loving chartered accountant is balancing the books at Gullivers. With 25 years of financial experience behind him – including 11 years in public practice advising private businesses on everything from tax and cash flow to strategy – Mark’s fiscal insights are invaluable. Having joined Tulla Group (Gullivers’ parent company) in 2012, Mark has interspersed his management of financial teams, acquisitions, restructures, divestments and public listings with the planning of his next great escape. Island hopping in the Philippines, in Queenstown and skiing in Japan are just some of Mark’s top-rated holidays, but the big dream is a Gullivers trip to one of the four major golf tournaments, of course.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: To have your next trip booked before you return from your current trip.
Favourite way to travel: I’m a value for money person, so whatever is the most cost-effective.
When did your wanderlust first hit? Not until I’d completed my studies and had money to travel. I took a four-month backpacking trip around the world and have been hooked ever since.
SCHOOLS AND GROUPS TEAM
KEN GROVER
Founder and Consultant
After enjoying himself thoroughly on a rugby tour of the UK in 1973, it became clear to Ken that connecting others to their passions would be a deeply satisfying career pursuit. It was from this inspiration that Gullivers was born and today continues its founder’s mission to transform lives through travel. It has always been about the passion for Ken, who has spent an impressive 42 years shaping the company, during which time he processed more than 4000 groups and grew Gullivers into a diverse business. Ken has barely missed a day of work in close to 50 years, not out of obligation but pure enjoyment. Every moment shared with his teammates, taking people everywhere from the Rugby World Cup to robotics competitions in America, is a highlight for Ken. Throughout his decades-long stewardship of the company, Ken has counted the progression and job satisfaction of his employees as the most rewarding part of the job and maintains his success comes from recognising that it’s his team, rather than himself, who are the experts. Now, as a consultant, Ken continues to guide the Gullivers legacy and is still up at 4am most mornings to tinker with programs or catch a flight across the globe to meet with stakeholders.
When did your wanderlust first hit? The Montreal Olympics in 1976.
Ideal travel partner: My team.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: Different cultures provide good learning opportunities.
CHRISTINE FAINGA'ANUKU
Operations and Admin Manager | Gullivers Schools
It wasn’t until Christine completed her bachelor degree in PDHPE teaching that she realised it just wasn’t the career for her. Instead, it occurred to Christine that travelling really was the only job she could see herself loving for the rest of her life. After 27 years relishing the task of organising group travel for schools and clubs to destinations worldwide for Gullivers, it’s safe to say, she certainly made the right choice. Especially when it comes to her yearly work highlight of organising the International Hawaii Netball Tournament with her colleague, Monika. Overseeing and coordinating all administrative and operational aspects of travel for the company, Christine is a powerhouse of logistical engineering and her enthusiasm and care in every aspect of her role is never anything less than inspiring.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: Check and then check again your flight details!
Dream Gullivers trip: I would love to join one of our performing arts trips to New York.
Ideal travel partner: My Family. I always want them to experience what I get up to while travelling. If they’re weren’t there, I’d be talking about them constantly.
OFA FAINGA'ANUKU
Business Development | Schools and Groups
During his seven-year tenure at Gullivers, Ofa has relished the opportunity to help students and athletes experience the life-affirming thrill of travel while on tour. Ofa’s commitment to nurturing strong customer relations and his dedication to his teammates is both highly commendable and inspiring. A former professional Rugby Union player who has competed on the world stage, Ofa is deeply knowledgeable on the game and has extraordinary insights to share with his clients. Having lived in France for two years, his insider intel on the best places to eat, visit and see makes for wonderfully immersive trips that go beyond the usual tour.
DELPHINE DELHAISE
Groups Consultant | Gullivers Schools
Originally from Belgium, Delphine believes the best way to travel is to let fate take you to your next discovery. Whether it was through providence or planning, a visit to Australia in 1998 was the spark that ignited her passion for travel and developed into a 25-year career in the group travel industry. Delphine’s Belgium background makes her a specialist in European travel and she is particularly adept at creating bespoke itineraries that exceed expectations, but not budgets. During her time at Gullivers, Delphine has cherished her part in building dreams into bookable experiences and she counts her biggest achievement as pulling together music festivals in Christchurch and Beijing in consecutive years. With each festival attended by more than 300 musicians and staff, it’s certainly a huge accomplishment worth celebrating.
Dream Gullivers trip: A combined ancient and modern history tour to Europe.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: A smile will get you a long way, even if you don’t speak the local language.
Ideal travel partner: My family, so we can discover our wonderful world together.
AVIA SCHUSTER
Groups Consultant | Gullivers Schools
The moment the wheels went up on his first aeroplane ride as a child, Avia knew he wanted to travel the world. Attending a multicultural school further fuelled his curiosity to explore different cultures and destinations, and working in travel was the obvious trajectory for Avia. With 16 years behind him specialising in group travel, a move to Gullivers was the perfect fit. When it comes to consulting on travel for events, the bigger the better for Avia. He counts helping clients make it to the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023 among his biggest and most thrilling achievements at Gullivers. But he also enjoys helping schools, clubs and social groups bring their travel plans to life across many events and destinations.
Favourite way to travel: Business class, of course (the airline that has the massage seats).
Ideal travel partner: My best friend, because we both have similar interests, so we won’t argue about what to do and will try everything, eat everything and drink everything.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: Independence.
MIKE JONES
General Manager | Events
At the Super Bowl in San Diego, legendary American actor and comedian George Burns took his seat next to Mike and proceeded to explain the game play-by-play. For Mike, this magical happenstance was an extraordinary pinnacle atop his 40-year career in the travel and hospitality industry. Although Mike’s expertise in planning and orchestrating memorable travel experiences have encompassed highlights such as arranging travel for more than 10,000 clients attending Rugby World Cups, this moment proved travel is sometimes its best when it surprises you. Over the past decade, Mike’s deep understanding of what makes an incredible experience has guided many Gullivers trips and his ability to execute group journeys with absolute precision has never wavered. A storyteller and curator, Mike’s love of sport, connection and culture is a cornerstone of the Gullivers ethos.
When did your wanderlust first hit? On a trip to Disneyland as a teenager.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: There are so many different cultures around the world, however, we are all human beings and we should respect everyone as such.
Favourite way to travel: Whatever way the journey takes you.
KATE CARBERRY
Event Tour Consultant | Gullivers Events
Inheriting the wanderlust gene from her travel-loving grandma, Kate remembers an early trip to LA and Hawaii as the foundation of a life-long obsession with exploring new places. After more than 20 years in the travel industry, she has continued to feed this passion and has amassed a comprehensive and impressive knowledge of event logistics, group coordination and client service. Since working on her first Rugby World Cup in 2007, Kate has been across every one of the events since, making her one of Gullivers’ Rugby World Cup specialists. No matter which major sporting event it is, Kate is a hugely enthusiastic supporter of ensuring her clients live out their dream of attendance. From the international FIFA World Cup, Bledisloe Cups and Rugby League World Cups to Australian Opens and State of Origins, Kate’s skill is making it happen.
Favourite Gullivers moment: Travelling to England in 2015 to spend six weeks working at the Rugby World Cup 2015 and seeing the fruition of two years’ worth of work.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: To make the most of every moment, see the sights, enjoy the food, make the connections, spend the money.
Favourite way to travel: With family and friends.
SARAH GILLHAM
Event Tour Consultant | Gullivers Events
When your first job entails 10 days of powdery fun travelling across all the major ski resorts in Colorado, there’s little choice but to fall in love with travel. Since that initial foray into the industry, Sarah hasn’t looked back and now has an impressive number of years behind her, including a stint with Club Med and 20 years at Gullivers. During her career, Sarah has developed expertise in consulting and travel management and has loved every opportunity to connect people with their passions and sense of adventure. In her role at Gullivers, she’s designed travel experiences for schools, groups and large-scale events, including our highest volume of travellers ever for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: To never stop travelling.
Favourite way to travel: With family and good friends.
Favourite Gullivers moment: Though hard to narrow it down, it was a moment in time with a great friend and colleague in Paris, as we laughed incredulously at the road that had led us there.
GULLIVErS CORPORATE
TONY WOODHOUSE
General Manager | Gullivers Corporate
Having spent 30 years in the inflight catering industry, Tony understands the art of choosing a good flight. These days, his ideal itinerary involves a business class seat and a 9am departure, ensuring he arrives rested and ready to work or play. Prior to joining the Gullivers Corporate team, Tony’s previous role as managing director of the Oceania region with Gate Group saw him oversee 20 operating centres across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Philippines, as well as more than 1800 team members. This vast and challenging role makes Tony the ideal person to manage the logistical intricacies of travel at Gullivers, while his passion for cheering on England in the Ashes proves he’s the right person to champion experiences that ignite real passion. If only we could get him to switch his support to the Australian team!
The most important thing you have learned from travel: I have two, take nothing for granted and listen to locals.
Favourite travel partner: My wife, because while I travelled consistently for 15 years and saw some amazing places, not having anyone to share it with made it a poorer experience.
Dream Gullivers trip: Watching England crush Australia in the Ashes on English soil – again.
DAN HOFF
Director of IT | Gullivers Corporate
Originally hailing from Wisconsin in the USA, Dan jokes that his love of travel was forced upon him when he married his Australian wife in 1978. But given his career has taken him around the world, there’s reason to believe Dan might have had the travel bug all along. With a deeply impressive 35 years’ of experience leading IT teams and projects in the travel industry across Australia, Singapore and Europe, Dan has a strong delivery background focused on creating the most efficient workflows with a priority on ROI for clients. Drawing on an honours degree in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Dan is an MIT Professional Education Alumni and brings his specialised skills in design, implementation and support of travel software systems for large multinational IT firms to Gullivers. Ever eager for a challenge, Dan savoured his role in starting the corporate arm of the company in 2016.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: Open eyes, closed mouth is well received.
Favourite way to travel: Is there a class above first?
Ideal travel partner: It sounds a bit cheesy, but I choose the Mrs for the memories shared.
MEG DOLAN
Commercial & Finance Manager
A true Italophile, Meg has visited Italy five times and says she’s always ready to return to la dolce vita at a moment’s notice. She first kickstarted a love for travel by throwing herself in the deep-end at age 18. Emerging from Belfast Airport after her first-ever long-haul flight without knowing a single person, Meg spent the next three years working in Northern Ireland. But while she loves leaving travel up to fate, as an accountant with leadership roles in both leisure and corporate travel, she prefers to thoroughly plan for success. Since 2022, Meg’s role has evolved into commercial management, encompassing client relations, supplier relations, sales development, and finance management. Vibrant and capacious, when she’s not ensuring smooth economic sailing at Gullivers, Meg sits on the board of a local NFP, bakes elaborate cakes and dreams of Italy.
Top travel tip: Pre-arrange everything you must do and see in each location. Then leave the rest to chance. Try to get a little lost, so you can find hidden gems outside of the tourist traps.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: Emersion via all senses is key. Food, language, culture, customs – try and experience each location like a local.
Ideal travel partner: I prefer to travel solo and make friends along the way.
FARZAAD TODDYWALLA
Operations Manager | Gullivers Corporate
Staying adaptable and positive, whether on the football field or managing operations, is a guiding principle for Farzaad, or Faz. This ethos ensures Faz thrives in dynamic environments and keeps him striving for operational excellence and best practice. Such as the time he helped navigate a mid-trip medical emergency for a Gullivers client, much to their heartfelt appreciation. With a strong commercial acumen and technical expertise built over 15 years in the corporate and leisure travel space, forward-thinking Faz embraces innovation and bold, out-of-the-box ideas. For Faz, going the extra mile is just part of the job and the reward is knowing that Gullivers have made a meaningful impact on someone’s experience of the world beyond.
When did your wanderlust first hit? During my first solo trip overseas – the freedom and excitement of exploring new places had me hooked. From then on, travel’s been in my blood.
Favourite way to travel: With curiosity and intention. Whether you’re in a 5-star suite or backpacking, being open to the moment makes all the difference.
Ideal travel partner: My dad – there’s something special about seeing the world through his eyes. Plus, we'd make some unforgettable memories (with plenty of snack breaks).
SIERRA BRASSEY
Operations Manager - Medical Team
After moving to Australia a little more than 10 years ago, Sierra realised that in order to fuel her love for seeing the world beyond, a job in travel was the best way to go. Since that lightbulb moment, Sierra’s career trajectory has seen her amass experience in customer service and operations across both retail and travel. Always enthusiastic to add more strings to her vocational bow, she’s an early adopter of new systems and processes and is creative, reliable and proactive in everything she takes on. Relishing the challenge of fast-paced settings that require clear communication and agility, she’s a huge asset to the Gullivers team.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: Go with the flow, you can only control so much.
Favourite way to travel: Anything with lay-flat seats, or if travelling economy, getting a whole row to myself is always my aim.
Favourite Gullivers moment: Managing the sheer volume of our client bookings and being given the opportunity to really fine tune this niche of ours.
ASHLEY HEMA
Account Manager | Gullivers Corporate
After a family trip to Thailand brought the diversity and beauty of the world into sharp focus for a young, 14-year-old Ashleigh, she couldn’t wait to embark on her first solo trip at 18. Relishing the independence and problem-solving skills that travelling alone bestowed on her, she continued to spend her formative years roaming the globe and now translates her wanderlust into helping her clients. With years of experience as a domestic consultant for government and corporate accounts, Ashleigh’s deep pleasure in caring for her customers is evident throughout the office as she laughs and chats on the phone. Dovetailing her passions for travel and connecting people to their travel goals makes Ashleigh a hugely appreciated member of the Gullivers team.
Dream Gullivers trip: Snow trip to Japan or hiking in South Korea!
Favourite Gullivers moment: After learning about some health conditions a client had, I took the initiative to arrange additional assistance. Their heartfelt thanks made it a moment I greatly appreciated, as I was able to make a tough trip much more comfortable for them.
Ideal travel partner: If travel restrictions didn’t apply, I’d take my dog! We can experience the world together.
CATHERINE KIVIJIAN
Account Manager | Gullivers Corporate
For Catherine, providing the same wonderfully formative travel experiences for her children that she enjoyed as a child is deeply important for their understanding of the world. With a father who worked for Qantas, she travelled often as a kid, but it wasn’t until she visited Europe on a Globus Cosmos tour at age 16 that the world truly opened up and the idea she might enjoy a career as a tour guide was formed. Now, with many years of experience in the travel industry across varied corporate and leisure portfolios, she is a deft hand at smoothing out logistics for both domestic and international bookings. Her meticulous attention to detail is greatly appreciated by her clients and colleagues at Gullivers and she leaves no avenue for immersion unexplored.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: As beautiful and diverse the world is, I am so lucky to live in Australia!
Favourite Gullivers moment: Working with great clients and receiving positive feedback for going that extra mile to keep them happy.
Dream Gullivers trip: A trip to the Maldives!
KIM MILNE
Account Manager | Gullivers Corporate
Travel has always just been a part of Kim’s world. Having lived in New England in the USA as a child and travelling often, a career in the industry seemed a natural progression. After more than 20 years in corporate travel, Kim’s impressively strong skill set and vast knowledge spans technologies and problem-solving but her true passion lies in building strong relationships with clients. Encouraging and quick to celebrate a teammate’s wins, Kim is both a motivator and a problem-solver and relishes the opportunity to deliver efficient and flawless service to her clients from quote to completion.
Ideal travel partner: My cousin – she is my partner in crime.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: To be accepting of other cultures and go with the flow.
Top travel tip: Travel whatever way you can afford and never go into debt to travel, it will only bring stress.
MONICA CRUZ
Account Manager | Gullivers Corporate
The reward for Monica’s work comes when her clients express their honest thanks for her hand in creating meaningful memories. Operating by the idea that we travel not to escape but to ensure life does not escape us, Monica finds great joy in connecting people with the life-affirming experiences travel brings. With more than 30 years in the industry spanning everything from corporate to leisure, luxury, group and after-hours travel, Monica is endlessly adaptable. Holding roles as varied as general manager, operations manager, team leader, training manager, IT support, and consultant has given her a wide understanding of the intricacies of managing travel. Effortlessly professional, Monica’s skills are particularly valued in her management of complex, high-demand corporate travel portfolios.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: The value of perspective. Being exposed to different cultures, lifestyles, and ways of thinking has taught me to see the world from different angles.
Favourite way to travel: With an open mind and a flexible attitude. It’s great to have a plan, but spontaneity often leads to the most memorable experiences.
Ideal travel partner: My mother. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to bring her on some of my own travels, and those moments have been incredibly special to me.
RAFAEL BURMAN
Account Manager | Gullivers Corporate
Always eager to learn something new, what Rafael (or Raf) loves about his role is helping people explore places even he is yet to visit. His wanderlust set in at age 10 after a family trip to England and America. By the time he took his first solo trip to LA and New Mexico at 19, he was properly hooked. A career in travel seemed destined for Raf, who began as a leisure consultant in the UK before returning home to work in retail management and run his own business. Raf has layers of experience in corporate travel, ranging from team leader to implementations manager, that equip him with a detailed knowledge of both domestic and international travel. Endlessly inspired by the next experience, Raf’s passion for travel makes him sought-after for his commitment, care and expert advice.
Favourite way to travel: Look at the place you are in as if you are a local. Adapt to their culture, religious customs, and humour. The more you immerse yourself in how they live, the greater experience you’ll have.
Favourite travel partner: I feel now I would probably travel with my teenage nephews – they’re funny, smart, adventurous but good at getting me to do things outside my comfort zone.
Dream Gullivers trip: I would love to travel to the FIFA World Cup in North America.
VANYA BORYSENKOV
IT Analyst | Gullivers Corporate
With a people-first approach to every role embarked upon, Vanya’s own values are perfectly aligned with those of Gullivers. A background in sales and customer service has given Vanya the rare ability to bridge the gap between technical teams and clients to ensure that our user experience is both consistent and effective. Adaptable and results-driven, Vanya’s agility is applauded and respected in the team.
When did your wanderlust first hit? Probably around 2018 when I went on my first trip to Japan.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: Be respectful and receptive to all cultures.
Favourite way to travel: Without a map!
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
KELLIE MALONEY
Head of Marketing and Content | Gullivers Group
For Kellie, every trip is a story waiting to unfold and every traveller is the storyteller. She believes the experiences we collect in the world become our most treasured lessons. Kellie’s first formative classroom was Europe, where she traversed the continent following the music festival circuit. Here she discovered the liberating joy of independence and its uplifting freedom. Since then, she’s continued to seek the revelatory nature of travel from Botswana to Koh Samui and as far as Antarctica. As a brand and content marketing strategist, Kellie has helped health, wellness and tourism businesses to tell their own stories. Her impressive 20 years of experience spans marketing and event operations, digital footprint development and social media expansion across the entertainment, wellness and travel spaces. Kellie’s passion for travel’s transformative power makes her the perfect person to share the Gullivers story.
The most important thing you have learned from travel: On an eye-opening trip to Antarctica, I saw the world with a renewed awe and greater wonder. You don’t know until you go.
Favourite way to travel: A bit of planning, a bit of chance, an open mind, a big smile, a good book and leave your worries behind.
Ideal travel partner: My partner, my girls, my family and close friends. Because my people are a part of my story.
FUJI PETERSON
Graphic & UI Designer | Gullivers Group
Swapping the Sydney skyline for the green hinterland hills and coastal beauty of Bangalow, Fuji brings to Gullivers more than 10 years of experience in the creative industry. Having worked at some of the country’s most awarded advertising agencies, such as M&C Saatchi and George Patterson Y&R, as well as across digital product design for UBank (NAB) and a range of startups, Fuji is perfectly suited to guide Gullivers through the digital landscape. With strong skills across UI, UX and branding, Fuji’s clever design and natural style ensures all our digital platforms and communications not only look incredible but are easy to navigate.
Favourite way to travel: With an open mind.
Favourite travel partner: My husband, William, because he’s always up for an adventure.