Babel Travel is supported by a number of private investors who share the vision and passion that has shaped the trips and philosophies that will see Babel Travel create a new travel segment across the major European countries.

Naomi and Jason in Vietnam

Jason and Naomi Cox

Passionate travellers, Naomi and Jason Cox have been enthusiastic supporters of Babel Travel from the outset. As travellers, they embrace Babel Travels' philosophies on sustainable travel for the environment and for local communities, whilst as investors they believe in the quality of the product, the business model, and the experience of friend and Babel Travel founder, Kevin Pollard.

Though both hold university qualifications in science, they have pursued varied careers. Raised and educated in Melbourne, Australia, Jason spent a number of years in research and teaching roles at Monash and Deakin Universities in Melbourne before his career changed to Management Consulting which has allowed him to work with over fifty companies internationally over the past 10 years. During that period he has worked in the US, Middle East, Europe and Asia on a variety of engagements. He is currently Principal Consultant and Director for the Hong Kong operation of the Australia firm Marchment Hill Consulting and is a member of the Hong Kong Chapter of the Australian Chamber of Commerce.

Born in Sweden to Swedish and Japanese parents, Naomi’s diverse background expanded further when her family migrated to Australia during her early teens. Naomi has also lived for varying periods in Japan and the USA and has always appreciated both the similarities and variations of culture and lifestyle that different countries offer. Today, Naomi travels extensively with her work as Education Coordinator - Asia for the cardiology division of Medtronic – a major multi-national medical devices company. She took up this position in 2007 following several years in technical and sales roles at Medtronic, St Jude Medical and Cardiac Rhythm Solutions. Prior to this, Naomi worked in the Cardiology and Renal Departments of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Naomi and Jason have travelled extensively throughout Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand together and currently share a home in the vibrant Asian hub of Hong Kong. The pair bring a range of business and management skills to the Babel Travel Board as well as travel experience and a first hand understanding of the needs and desires of the adventure traveller.

Dan and Iva in China

Daniel Hutchinson and Iva Stankovic

Avid travellers Daniel Hutchinson and Iva Stankovic have been passionate supporters of Babel Travel from its inception when it was nothing more than a dream to start an adventure travel company many years ago. They currently reside in Melbourne, Australia after many years abroad.

They are both experienced backpackers with over 10 years of travel under their belt across the European, Asian and Australian continents, with in depth and specialist knowledge of Eastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula.

Raised and educated in Melbourne, Australia, Daniel’s wunderlust for travel took him straight to Europe to work in various finance and credit management roles for some of the world’s largest corporations. He is currently working as an Account Manager for a leading bank in Melbourne, Australia. Iva also from Melbourne, Australia was also bitten by the travel bug early on and has managed some of London’s busiest pubs and kitchens over her working life and is currently a self employed driving instructor in Melbourne.

The pair provide a range of business, travel and management skills to the Babel Travel Board, with first-hand adventure travel experience they live and breathe the Babel brand and ethos of sustainable travel for the environment and for local communities.

Their faith in the product and belief in the Babel Travel Brand and close friend, and Babel Travel founder Kevin Pollard ensured their investment from the outset.

Natalie in India

Natalie Sobiesiak

Natalie has been an enthusiastic advocate of the Babel Travel brand from the outset.

Born and raised in Australia, Natalie left the shores of her homeland at the age of 15, when she spent 6 weeks in Japan as an exchange student. Inspired at an early age, her desire to see the world has taken her to all corners of the globe.

A keen backpacker, Natalie has travelled extensively throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North Africa. Whether trekking in northern Thailand, floating in the Dead Sea or rolling a chapatti in India, Natalie is at home when she’s on the road.

Natalie holds a combined degree in Communications and International Studies, completing one year of her studies in France. She brings her wealth of experience as an adventure traveller along with her background in communications, event and project management to Babel Travel.

She has lived and worked in Sydney and Dubai and now resides in Switzerland.