OUR STORY
The problem we’re solving Why we exist
Started in 2018 and having served over 26,000 travellers, Roam is a travel technology company redefining how Africa—and the world—books travel. Built by industry veterans, our platform streamlines booking operations and simplifies complex international payments, reducing friction at the most critical point of the customer journey.
We take technology and security seriously, protecting our partners through regulated financial institutions, segregated accounts, 3D Secure card authentication, and supplier insolvency coverage underwritten by Lloyd’s of London.
Roam’s mission is to create smarter travel solutions for the customer of the future.
MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Tony Sneedon
Chief Operating Officer
A proven operations leader in high-growth fintech, Tony has extensive experience scaling people, processes, and technology across global teams. His focus on strategic structure, operational excellence, and innovation helps build compliant, customer-centric ecosystems that improve performance, reduce costs, and support sustainable growth.
Dean Sheaffer
EVP US Operations
A seasoned leader with 30+ years in the US payments space, Dean’s deep understanding of the traditional payment ecosystem is augmented by his focus on emerging payments such as BNPL, Open Banking (A2A), cryptocurrencies and real-time payments systems.
Mary Masnari
Group Financial Director
Qualified as a UK Chartered Accountant and having led the Finance teams of some of the world’s largest travel companies (Hotelbeds/HBX Group, Travel Corporation, Pure Escapes, Booking Holdings), Mary ensures Roam’s commercial underpinnings.
Oliver Brain
Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder
Oliver leads Design & Technical Development. Qualified as an engineer and with a passion for systems, he is responsible for the core features that set Roam apart and at the forefront of the intersection between technology and travel.
Marcus Brain
Growth Director & Co-Founder
With strong market and strategic experience, Marcus draws on over 20 years of operating one of Africa’s leading travel businesses. This insight into the real world challenges of scaling travel businesses helps shape Roam’s strategic direction and growth ambitions.
MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Chris Purdy
Financial Manager
Chris oversees Finance at Roam. HIs experience in financial services, property, and international trade – as well as expertise in audits, budgeting, and corporate finance – ensures smooth execution and regulatory alignment supporting Roam’s mission of simplifying global travel transactions.
Lucia Brain
Business Development Manager
With cross-sector project management experience, Lucia is skilled in managing client relationships and driving operational improvement. Highly systems-oriented, she works closely with the team to help Roam grow in both efficiency and scale as a travel payments powerhouse.
Josie Hauptfleisch
Business Development Manager
Josie is a sales and business development leader with 15+ years’ experience building client relationships, negotiating high-value deals, and driving revenue growth. Skilled in B2B account management, strategic planning, and CRM optimisation, she combines persistence and analytical insight with strong communication and interpersonal skills to deliver results and long-term partnerships
Lize du Plessis
Marketing Manager
With a background in tourism and hospitality, Lize is passionate about connecting brands with people. Her experience spans brand management, communications, social media, events, and B2B and B2C marketing. As Marketing Manager at Roam, she is focused on strengthening the brand’s presence and supporting its continued growth within the African travel industry.
MEET THE OPERATIONS TEAM
Dannielle Prins
Account Manager
Dannielle brings 10 years’ experience in tech support and finance, managing high-level accounts across multiple sectors. She applies her detailed focus, relationship skills, and customer success mindset to ensure smooth delivery and exceptional service for every client.
Jade Bailey
Account Manager
With a decade of experience across industries – from sustainable travel to cybersecurity – Jade combines a passion for purpose-driven tourism with a talent for client service. She’s known for her warmth, clarity, and dedication to delivering seamless, impactful experiences.
Lungisa Gobane
Account Manager
As an Account Manager, Lungisa brings experience in client relationship management, customer success, and business development within the fintech and payments space. His people-focused approach, strong commercial understanding, and commitment to building lasting partnerships help support clients at every stage of their journey.
Bronwyn Pontes
Sales Executive
Bronwyn brings more than 20 years of experience across sales and key account management in the fintech and travel sectors. Her client-focused approach, commercial insight, and passion for building strong, long-term relationships help clients find the right solutions to support their growth.
WORK FOR ROAM
Work for Roam
Roam is continually seeking the brightest talent to help reshape the travel industry, and at the heart of our business are our people: intelligent, optimistic, resilient, self-reflective.
