our team
Our team have many years of experience in leading edge, luxury travel, tourism and events management. With offices across Australia and New Zealand we curate unique journeys through an innate understanding of our destinations and our guests. Please meet ‘The Team’ below.
Rob Young
Founder and CEO
After holidaying in New Zealand Rob fell in love with the country and moved with his young family from the UK. Inspired by the country’s incredible beauty he saw an opportunity to share his adopted country with the rest of the world. Showcasing a country he fell in love with gives him immense fulfilment and he has built ETG’s team around this common passion. As the company has grown to include Australia, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific Rob has ensured Exclusive Travel Group remains at the forefront of luxury travel in Australasia.
Michael Castleman
Australian General Manager
A former professional drummer, globetrotting hotelier and international businessman, Michael has developed a special understanding of famous celebrities and ultra-high-end travellers. Michael is now co-owner with Exclusive Travel Group (Australia) and believes that showcasing his home of Australia is the best lifestyle in the world and is most passionate about offering travellers an authentic, deep sense of immersion that transcends wealth. He shares his passion for travel with keen interests in music, wildlife and motorcycles.
Matt Carter
Travel Designer - New Zealand
After spending many moons exploring Asia and Europe, you’ll now find Matt with his young family nestled alongside Eastern Bay of Plenty’s seafood basket, Ohiwa Harbour. His happy place is finding solitude by trail running deep into the lush native New Zealand bush. A self-proclaimed geography nerd, Matt is obsessed with travelling virtually via maps, charts and atlases. Google Maps tends to lead his screen time rankings. Having worked for travel agencies and rail suppliers in London, he adores the world of travel, especially the wonderful people. Matt's love of curating that unique travel experience is something he wishes to share with the world.
Alexandra Valassis
Travel Designer
A true Sydneysider, dedicated tourism student and an incredibly well travelled young professional. Alex is forever seeking to uncover the beauty and hidden gems of Australia, her life experience fits in perfectly with the intricacies required for travel design. She proudly believes that there’s no place like home and as our Assistant Travel Designer, Alex is behind-the-scenes crafting the perfect itinerary for your trip Downunder with a big smile.
Charlotte Young
Country Manager - New Zealand
Based in New Zealand, Charlotte spends the winter months on local ski fields and her summer months mountain biking amongst the incredible views that surround her home, Wanaka. Charlotte’s love of the great outdoors and sharing her homeland of New Zealand with others is what motivates her passion for working in travel. While perhaps biased, she believes that she lives in the most beautiful place in the world and looks forward to sharing this with you.
Christine Ungerer
Systems Coordinator
Holding a graduate degree in Tourism Management and extensive luxury travel experience, Christine works behind the scenes with our systems management. Born in Mexico with German roots, she’s spent time in Egypt, Ireland and now New Zealand. Christine knows that home is where the heart is, living in sunny Papamoa. Her latest passion (apart from travelling) is playing the agogo bell in her local samba ensemble.
Aimie Ellman-Brown
Country Manager - Australia
Aimie brings a very interesting background of life and travel experiences. An Australian Canadian mix, born in Zimbabwe and raised in the Middle East. She’s a true travel professional holding a Tourism & Hotel Management degree, coupled with years of high-end clientele expertise making her one of the most highly regarded experts in Australia. She loves Australia and like all of us at ETG is focused on delivering our passion into your journeys.
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Ashleigh Drummond
Administrative Assistant
Based in beautiful New Zealand, Ashleigh is an avid beachgoer with a love for organised chaos and exercise. Having graduated with a Bachelor of Event Management she joins ETG with a passion for travel and the experiences our home has to offer. When Ashleigh isn't working, you can find her taking part in some form of fitness, whether it be netball, gym, Pilates, or running somewhere with a good view...which is anywhere is New Zealand.
Dan Barbour
Operations Manager
Dan joined Exclusive Travel Group as Assistant Travel Manager after gaining experience in Europe with bespoke European Ski Escapes and Luxury Villa Concierge before returning to New Zealand. He offers incredibly intimate knowledge of all our destinations and is highly experienced with managing our clienteles’ unique expectations. Dan has progressed through the company to his current position of Operations Manager and looks forward to helping you plan your trip of a lifetime.
Mike Jarosky
Lead Guide and Client Liaison – Australia
Originally from Chicago Mike has been addicted to Australia since 1998 and is our main guide in Sydney. A talented author, personal trainer and guide with National Geographic he understands that relationships are key to our experiences and Mike makes it his business to know everyone! When he’s not busy walking his two beautiful dogs he loves showing off Sydney to our guests.
Richard Pateman
Finance Manager
Richard is a qualified AAT Finance and Administration Manager and has worked for many large UK organisations before moving to New Zealand in 2010 with his family. With a love of numbers, spreadsheets and travel Richard joined Exclusive Travel Group as Finance Manager and is responsible for ensuring the financial side of your trip is securely taken care of.