Take2Eton Group is expanding its leadership team with the appointment of James Parkhouse as Global CEO.
Parkhouse has resigned from his role as non-executive board director at Focus Travel Partnership, which he took in November 2023.
Before that he spent 15 years as CEO of Agiito, now part of Clarity Business Travel, but left Agiito in April 2023, working for a period as an independent consultant.
Parkhouse also spent four years on the board of the BTA, as well as international network, GlobalStar.
Joining Take2Eton Group on November 4, he will take over the role from Chris Thelen, who has been CEO since founding TakeTwo in 2021.
The TMC acquired Eton Travel in 2022 and rebranded as Take2Eton Group earlier this year.
Thelen will becomes Chairman of Take2Eton Group and the announcement said he will “remain heavily involved in the business, focussing on strategic client acquisition and customer relationships”.
Julie Cope, who co-founded TakeTwo with Chris Thelen, remains in the role of Chief Operating Officer.
Thelen commented: “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,” said Thelen.
“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 said: “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.”
