Mike McGearty is a seasoned travel industry executive with extensive experience in developing and leading global technology platforms. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Meili, he is driven by the ambition to establish the company as the market leader in travel tech, revolutionizing the way the industry operates.
Previously, Mike served as the CEO of CarTrawler, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a leader in the mobility marketplace. Over the course of a decade, he oversaw consistent growth, successfully steered two major private equity investments, and led multiple strategic acquisitions. His deep understanding of the industry and exceptional leadership were instrumental in CarTrawler’s success.
Mike’s unparalleled commercial acumen and proven track record make him uniquely positioned to guide Meili through its next phase of growth and innovation, shaping the future of travel technology.
Sessions
March 12, Wednesday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
3.00PM – 5.00PM
Next Generation Leaders Roundtable (By Invite Only)
An intimate, sharing session for under-35 rising stars of travel to meet and learn from current generation travel leaders. How will the next generation of travel evolve? What changed mindsets and new skills will it require? What will it demand from professionals who have chosen to make travel their life’s calling? Learn valuable lessons and pick up useful insights so you can take your career in travel to new heights.
This by-invite session will include panel discussions with global and local travel leaders on how they have navigated their careers and the opportunities they see in the industry for young talent.
It will also include coaching circles where attendees can learn at a more personal level from our coaches, as well as reverse mentoring where travel leaders can learn from the next generation attendees.
Speakers/Coaches:
Maija de Rijk-Uys, Managing Director, Go2Africa
Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow
Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead, Middle East and Africa Airbnb
Liezl Gericke, Head of International, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Virgin Airways
Mike McGearty, CEO & Co-founder, Meili
March 13, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town
4.20PM – 5.00PM
WiT Africa Startup Showcase
We put the spotlight on a curated list of startups that are trying to shake things up in their respective spaces. Each will present for 5 minutes each, with a 3-minute Q&A by our panel of dragons.
Jeff Pan, CEO & Founder, Belli (Seedup Winner, Asia Pacific category, Global Startup Pitch)
David Gonahasa, CEO & Founder, Tripesa
Dragons:
Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-founder, Wego
Mike McGearty, CEO & Co-founder, Meili
Zachariah George, Managing Partner, Launch Africa Ventures
Liezl Gericke, Head of International, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Virgin Airways
Facilitator:
Michelle Kleu, CEO, Innovation City
5.00PM – 5.30PM
Flying High In The Next Generation
From improving connectivity to modernising their retailing, the airline industry is facing changes on several fronts. How are the different players rising to the challenge, and what are their plans to capture the opportunities in this continent, with different distribution, marketing and commercial strategies?
Speakers:
Liezl Gericke, Head of International, Middle East, Africa & South Asia, Virgin Airways
John Friel, Regional Director, Qatar Airways
Mike McGearty, CEO & Co-founder, Meili
Rodger Foster, CEO, Airlink