A change at the top at business travel specialist Take2Eton Group sees James Parkhouse come in as chief executive.
He takes over the role from Chris Thelen, chief executive since founding TakeTwo in 2021, acquiring Eton Travel in 2022, and rebranding the business as Take2Eton Group earlier this year.
Thelen becomes chairman of Take2Eton Group and will focus on strategic client acquisition and customer relationships.
Julie Cope, who co-founded TakeTwo with Thelen, remains as chief operating officer.
Parkhouse, who takes up the role on November 4, was chief executive of Agiito, now part of Clarity Business Travel, for 15 years until April 2023 and most recently served as a non-executive board director at Focus Travel Partnership.
Thelen and Cope created TakeTwo Travel Solutions in 2021 as an independent TMC in the wake of the pandemic and went on to acquire Eton Travel Management.
Thelen, who previously led a management buy-out at Chambers Travel, said: “I am very proud of how much Julie and I have achieved since we began this journey with the launch of TakeTwo three years ago.
“However, to drive further growth and success as Take2Eton Group, we needed to bring additional support and leadership to the business.
“I am excited that James is joining us as CEO to help us achieve that vision. Not only does he have exceptional experience, but he is also a great fit for us in terms of our company culture.
“I would also like to stress that I remain totally committed to Take2Eton in my new role as chairman. I look forward to driving our growth through new business development in Europe and the US, as well as focussing on relationships with current key clients.
“Julie is also going nowhere and remains as COO and I would like to acknowledge and thank her for the passion and dedication she has shown, and will continue to show in the success of the business.”
Parkhouse (pictured) added: “I am delighted to be invited to join Take2Eton as global CEO and to work with Chris and the team on taking a unique market proposition to the next level.
“I have long admired the knowledge, expertise, and ambition that the company has and can’t wait to use my industry and leadership experience to drive the business to future success”
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