Ross Veitch

CEO & Co-Founder, Wego

Ross Veitch is a seasoned leader in the Asian internet and travel industries, with a career spanning over two decades of innovation and entrepreneurship. As CEO and Co-Founder of Wego, a leading travel marketplace, Ross has been instrumental in shaping how millions of users discover and book travel experiences across the globe.

 

Ross began his career in travel with the Australian Tourist Commission in Sydney, where he worked as a strategic analyst in the early 1990s. Recognizing the transformative potential of the internet with the release of the Mosaic browser in 1993, Ross championed the creation of australia.com, one of the world’s first award-winning destination marketing websites.

 

In 1998, Ross joined Yahoo! Southeast Asia, establishing its operations in Singapore and leading product development for six years. During this time, he launched a suite of services, including search, media, commerce, and community products, all scaled to serve millions of daily users. Beyond product development, Ross played a pivotal role in strategic partnerships, business strategy, and shaping Yahoo!’s global product direction, positioning the company as the leading internet destination in the region.

 

In 2005, Ross co-founded Wego, leveraging his deep expertise in travel and technology to create a platform that simplifies the travel booking process. Under his leadership, Wego has become a trusted name for travelers worldwide.

An avid traveler himself, Ross has lived and worked in Sydney, London, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, and has explored the world extensively. Whether backpacking off the beaten path or indulging in luxury travel, he brings a deep personal passion for exploration to his professional endeavors.

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

Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-founder, Wego

March 13, Thursday
Venue: Innovation City Cape Town  

 

11.55AM – 12.25PM

Global OTAs And Their Playbook For The Future

 

Global OTAs are expanding their reach and looking for fresh opportunities in new markets. As they expand, what’s their playbook and what innovations in AI and product, customer acquisition and customer service are they bringing to local markets to capture the hearts and minds of local consumers? What are the lessons learnt from different regions?

 

Speakers:

Alberto Yates, Regional Director, EMEA, Booking

Ross Veitch, CEO & Co-founder, Wego

Tara Colpitts, Senior Director, Expedia Group 

 

Moderator:

Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT