John Thiede

John Thiede is an experienced tour and expedition manager with a career spanning several decades in the travel industry. Currently serving as a Tour Manager at Criterion Travel since January 2015 and as the Owner of JST Journeys since January 2009, John specializes in organizing and leading small group safaris to Kenya, South Africa, and India. Additionally, John has worked as an Independent Tour Manager and Expedition Leader for various travel companies since 1994, overseeing global trips. Previously, John held the position of Expedition Leader at TCS World Travel from January 2014 to March 2017 and at TCS/Starquest Expeditions from 1999 to 2009, leading private jet expeditions. Additionally, from 1986 to 2012, John managed the Aquatic Farm Program for the Department of Natural Resources, overseeing the leasing of marine lands for shellfish farming. John holds a B.S. in Outdoor Recreation from Arizona State University.