Press Releases

Custom Travel Solutions Supercharges Global Expansion with Strategic Executive Hires


21st May, 2025 – Custom Travel Solutions, the leading private-label travel platform powering member-based organizations, announces the appointment of two powerhouse executives: Michael Finn as Vice President of Sales and Melinda Burch as Vice President of Global Business Development. This move signals CTS’s push into its next chapter of hypergrowth, expanding its global footprint and strengthening its ability to serve clients with unmatched precision, insight, and innovation.

 

With decades of experience leading multi-million and billion-dollar growth initiatives, Michael and Melinda bring a rare mix of enterprise-scale know-how and startup agility,  the kind of leadership that doesn’t just keep pace with a rapidly evolving market, but defines it.

 

Melinda Burch, a seasoned transformation strategist, has led high-impact business units across CPG, tech, and distribution, driving $60M in incremental revenue through sales effectiveness strategies and spearheading enterprise SaaS implementations for global teams. Her data-driven mindset and operational mastery make her a critical force in scaling CTS’s international partnerships and platforms.

 

Michael Finn comes to CTS with more than 25 years of high-level leadership in hospitality, real estate, and marketing, having held executive roles at Marriott and Starwood. He brings deep expertise in sales strategy, resort development, and customer loyalty innovation. Known for driving hundreds of millions in annual revenue and authoring industry-renowned thought leadership, Michael is set to elevate CTS’s sales engine to new heights.

 

Mike Putman, CEO of Custom Travel Solutions, shared: “This isn’t just about filling leadership roles,  it’s about fueling transformation. Michael and Melinda bring the exact firepower we need to deliver next-level results for our clients. As we scale globally and deepen our product offerings, their leadership will help us unlock new revenue streams, faster market penetration, and stronger client success than ever before.”

 

With these strategic additions to its leadership team, CTS is setting the tone for what’s next: bold expansion, high-performing partnerships, and a relentless focus on helping member-based organizations monetize travel like never before.

Santiago Alvarado

Recent Posts

Internova Travel Group Builds on Destination FOCUS With Destination Exchange on West Coast

Beverly Hills gathering brings destination partners and luxury travel advisors together for deeper collaboration and…

3 hours ago

Dream Vacations and CruiseOne Unveil Next Generation of AI-Powered MarTech to Help Travel Advisors Reach more Customers, Save Time and Grow

New AI search, booking automation, website enhancements and customizable technology connect marketing and technology across…

8 hours ago

AmaWaterways Unveils New Ships and Expanded Experiences for 2028

The full 2028 collection is now open for reservations, featuring four new ships, new itineraries…

1 day ago

Travel Advisors Can Win $200 Gift Cards during Black Friday with Riviera Travel River Cruises

Riviera Travel River Cruises’ just announced its Black Friday incentive, which allows advisors to earn…

1 day ago

TRAVELSAVERS and NEST Strengthen Support for Affiliate Agencies With Leadership Promotions

Industry Veterans Jill Dickie, Rosemary Sarkis and Serra Wheeler Will Expand Advisor Service and Power…

2 days ago

The Travel eBook Isn’t Dead, The Boring Title Is

Nobody Fills Out a Form for Information They Can Get From a Chatbot. Here Is…

2 days ago