Graham Wood - Managing Director

A global citizen having lived on four continents Graham Wood originates from Ireland, but in keeping with the A&K legacy, spent much of his formative years in Africa with a childhood split between the Emerald Isle and Malawi, later Kenya. With ties to A&K on a familial level, it was in fact his parents who spearheaded the opening of A&K’s Uganda office. Knowing from an early age he wished to dedicate his life to the magic of travel, Wood undertook studies in International Tourism Management in Cardiff, and desperate to return to Africa, started as Operations Manager with A&K in Zanzibar. What followed was a colourful industry career, with his knowledge and passion impacting every aspect of the businesses, with stints in Nairobi, and Tanzania across a diverse range of roles from cruise to operations, up to Managing Director, even taking time to acquire his own guiding licence while on a career break in South Africa. Fuelled by a love of learning, Wood progressed to Managing Director of A&K Hong Kong, before arriving in Australia and taking up his current post as Interim Managing Director, Australia Pacific. Alongside his diverse career are a raft of compelling personal highlights, including playing rugby for Tanzania, following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great through the Western Egyptian Desert, and driving through South America from Chile to the wilds of Patagonia. With his extensive personal travels often driven by an interest in destinational history, Wood has explored more than 55 countries, and crafted journeys in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America and more. 

Kathie Sikkes - General Manager Inbound

Kathie started her working career in business administration. The lure & excitement of travel however, was always on her mind. It was no surprise then that she seized an opportunity to be a “guinea pig” in an inaugural newly developed tourism course: The Graduate Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management from 1989.
Kathie became a Trainee Manager at Australian Pacific Tours who operated scheduled brochure journeys throughout Australia, New Zealand & USA. She worked in all facets of the business including a three-year posting in Los Angeles setting up the USA & Canadian programs. After 11 years, Kathie felt ready to seek out new horizons and challenges.
This search was the catalyst that led her to Abercrombie & Kent, an association that has since developed into a strong, challenging and rewarding relationship. Starting as a Travel Specialist, she was quickly promoted to an Operations Manager within months. From there she moved into the Product Manager’s role and is now the General Manager of the Australian operations. Kathie’s passion is product development and finding those “special” people or that unusual product that is yet to be discovered. She has travelled extensively throughout Australia & New Zealand, with the Kimberley region of Western Australia being one of her favourite areas.

Kathryn Heness - Inbound Reservations Manager

Originally from Adelaide, Kathryn loves Melbourne for its fantastic restaurants, nightlife and sporting culture – all factors which have led Melbourne to be named the world’s most liveable city! She previously worked in Los Angeles where her passion for Australia and New Zealand was invaluable in the role of coordinating unique and exciting holidays 'Down Under' for US travellers. Her own travels have seen her swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef, self driving the iconic Gibb River Road, experiencing ancient cultures in Papua New Guinea and enjoying many of Australia and New Zealand’s luxury lodges. Kathryn’s favourite Australian destination is the Kimberley Region, where red dirt meets turquoise waters, spectacular waterfalls flow into natural swimming pools. .

Melissa Muggeridge - Reservations Team Leader

Originally from New Zealand, Melissa joins the A&K team with a wealth of knowledge of her beautiful homeland. Having worked in the travel industry for 15 years, in all areas including inbound, wholesale and retail, Melissa’s passion for travel and attention to detail ensures her clients receive their dream holiday. Her personal travel has taken her through the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and of course New Zealand. Her favorite Australian destination is her new home town, Melbourne. Melbourne has something to offer everyone including (but definitely not limited to) trendy bars, world class restaurants and hidden laneways for some great shopping.

Saadika Mahmood - Travel Specialist

Saadika, born and raised in sunny South Africa, joins the Abercrombie & Kent team with many years of travel industry experience. Over the years she has traveled extensively - to London, Dubai, the Seychelles, Singapore, Malaysia and many African countries. She is extremely passionate about travel and designing the perfect itinerary to ensure our guests leave with lifelong memories. One of her favorite Aussie destinations is the Great Barrier Reef and its islands.

Kristy-Ann Berry - Inbound Sales Manager

Born in the ‘Sunburnt Country’ and raised in the small rural town of Timboon, not far from Victoria’s spectacular Great Ocean Road, the remoteness of Kristy-Ann’s childhood home gave her a true appreciation of the vastness and natural beauty of Australia. A seven year stint with Abercrombie & Kent in the Reservations Department, allowed Kristy-Ann to develop her expertise in tailor-made itineraries, VIP trip planning and private jet programmes. “My love of travel and people, interest in Australia’s natural beauty and enthusiasm for special places and unique experiences has given rise to a career where I can share the real Australia with others. I look forward to working with you and making the unbelievable believable.”

Gabrielle McCarthy - Product Manager

Gabrielle loves her home city of Sydney, especially on a perfect summers day when the harbor truly sparkles and the Opera House stands majestic at the center of attention. She loves the National Parks of Western Australia, the ancient rock formations of Central Australia, and the powder-soft sands of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Gabrielle is also extremely fond of the people and places that make New Zealand the unique and welcoming country that it is. Some of her favourite places in New Zealand are Waiheke Island, the Coromandel and all of the stunning landscapes that make up the South Island.

Tracy Anderson - New Zealand Operations Manager

Tracy caught the travel bug from a young age and has dedicated her working life to sharing this passion, including spending 10 years as a Virtuoso Travel Agent in the USA. When the time came to return to the Southern Hemisphere, Tracy began the next chapter in her travel career based in Sydney before eventually settling in Melbourne. Tracy has an excellent reputation for creating bespoke, luxury itineraries that go above and beyond.

An avid scuba diver and snorkeller, Tracy has also made it her personal challenge to experience all New Zealand’s thermal pools and is passionate about conservation and ecology.