Bob Schumacher, Chair of the Focus Travel Partnership, is stepping down.
Schumacher, a former United Airlines stalwart, joined Focus in January 2024 as Non-Executive Chair of its Board of Directors following the retirement of Adrian Parkes. Parkes has now returned to the group as Interim Chair.
“I am excited by the unexpected opportunity and looking forward to working with the Focus Board and the Focus Team again over the coming months,” said Parkes.
A Focus spokesperson added: “The Focus Team is delighted to welcome Adrian back in this role, having previously served as Chair, and greatly values his experience and expertise.”
Of Schumacher’s departure, the spokesperson said: “Throughout his tenure, Bob has been an integral part of Focus Travel Partnership’s success, guiding the organisation through a period of transition and playing a pivotal role in strengthening the Partnership.
“His commitment to business leadership has left a lasting impact on the organisation and its partners, and his experience and strategic insight helped maintain Focus as the UK’s leading business travel consortium.
“The organisation would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Bob for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment. The Board of Directors will begin a search for a new Chair to continue building on the foundation that Bob helped create.”
The change comes three months after Focus CEO Steve Banks left to join Belfast-based Beyond Business Travel, a Focus member TMC, as CEO. Focus is currently recruiting for a replacement for Banks.
James Parkhouse, the former CEO of Agiito, also recently left Focus. He was appointed Non-Executive Director of the Board at the same time as Schumacher but left last October to join Take2Eton as Global CEO.
