Melissa Krueger, CEO, Classic Vacations

Melissa Krueger is the Chief Executive Officer of Classic Vacations, the leading luxury wholesale travel company in the United States. Over the course of 25 years in the travel industry, Melissa has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice President and General Manager of Classic’s Groups Division, Director of Sales and Profitability, and Director of Brand Development. Since becoming CEO, Melissa has led the company through its three most successful years in its 47-year history, driven by a focus on innovation, agility, and digital transformation —evident in her restructuring of the company, establishment of a female-led executive team, and implementation of a remote-first policy that has boosted diversity and reduced the company’s carbon footprint. Melissa's leadership is grounded in fostering clarity, building a cohesive leadership team, and creating alignment across departments. By prioritizing transparency, assertive inquiry, and accountability, she has cultivated a culture of trust and excellence that has driven the organization’s remarkable success. She demonstrates a maniacal commitment to the success of Classic Vacations’ customers and suppliers, understanding that their achievements are inextricably tied to the success of the company’s employees. Melissa leads with a relentless focus on getting the job done right, even when it requires navigating challenges with resolve and purpose. Looking ahead, Melissa aims to leverage emerging technologies, particularly AI, to enhance customer and employee experiences, ensuring Classic Vacations remains at the forefront of the evolving market while maintaining their legacy as the leader in luxury travel. Outside of work, Melissa resides in Carmel, California, with her husband of 24 years. She is the proud mother of three extraordinary young women who share her love for travel. In her free time, she is a mentor to many (more details in the following answer), enjoys entertaining, hiking, playing golf, a good game of Scrabble and, of course, travel.