Our team
The Unfound team each bring a unique blend of expertise to the table. Our skill set is diverse, encompassing marketing, operations, hospitality, and sustainability. Together, we are passionate about connecting travellers to undiscovered destinations with the preservation of the natural world at their core.
Julia Törnberg
Travel Sommelier
About Julia
Julia is from Sweden, where she grew up with a deep curiosity for the world beyond her borders. Her connection with southern Africa began as a young teenager on her first journey to the region alongside her parents. That initial spark ignited a passion that has drawn her back countless times to explore the continent’s rich landscapes, cultures, and wildlife.
These experiences inspired her to pursue studies in global development and international political science. In 2023, this journey of learning brought her to Maputo, Mozambique… a place that sparked her passion for crafting meaningful, tailored travel experiences. With more than a decade of experience in the Swedish tourism industry, Julia has found a way to combine her expertise with her deep love for Southern Africa. She is dedicated to helping travellers uncover hidden gems where they can truly connect with both nature and local communities, always guided by a strong commitment to conservation and conscious tourism.
With Unfound as a partner, Julia finds a perfect alignment of purpose. Collaborating with a team that shares her commitment to sustainability, authenticity, and respect for nature is a privilege she embraces wholeheartedly. Julia’s mission is to open doors to extraordinary places, ensuring each adventure leaves a positive impact on both travellers and the world they explore.
Lynette Whittaker
Travel Sommelier & Managing Director
About Lynette
Lynette is a trailblazer in the advertising and hospitality industries. In 2018, she ignited the spark of Fire Island Eco Retreats, weaving her magic into every thread of the business, down to the pulse of daily operations. At the end of 2023, Lynette passed on the torch of FIER to embrace the allure of travel and marketing.
September 2023 marked the dawn of Unfound, a beacon of innovation in marketing and hospitality, crafted to meet the ever-shifting tides of the industry. Under Lynette’s management, Unfound has blossomed, expanding its reach and bolstering its presence. As the chief travel researcher, Lynette curates our collection of accommodations, destinations, and experiences to resonate with the ethos of Unfound.
Her mission is to guide intrepid souls to hidden gems, offering immersive, nature-infused escapades to the unfound.Lynette’s dedication to guest service excellence and her pledge to eco-centricity are the cornerstones of each Unfound experience. Her commitment intertwines with her role at Earth Legacy Foundation, the carbon offset projects of Unfound, ensuring that every journey leaves a gentle footprint on the heart of the earth.
Esther Jacobs
Communications & Sustainability Manager
About Esther
Meet Esther, the dynamic force spearheading media relations for Unfound and championing green initiatives at Earth Legacy Foundation, our carbon offset projects. Her dual role as conservation manager is marked by a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
With over two decades of experience in communications, Esther has spent the last ten years immersed in the world of conservation and travel. Her path has woven through marine eco-tourism, research, and conservation institutions, where she has served as the digital herald for their pioneering projects and scientific breakthroughs. As a co-author of three scientific papers, she understands the critical role of research and empirical data in advancing conservation efforts. Her expertise was further enhanced in 2023 with a Project Management for Wildlife Conservation qualification from WildTeam.
Esther’s heart beats for conservation and the enigmatic allure of wildlife. She’s determined to preserve the natural wonders she adored as a child for her daughters, ensuring they too can bask in the beauty of our planet. In the office, she’s known for her lighthearted yet earnest enforcement of eco-friendly practices, notably through the “naughty jar” for any single-use plastic offenders.
