Take2Eton Group has made two senior leadership changes as it continues to invest in its transatlantic growth strategy and technology-led service development.
Leann Forrest has been promoted to Global Head of Operations. She previously served as Operations Manager and has 30 years of experience in business travel operations, including roles at Business Travel Direct, Chambers Travel Management and Eton Travel Group, where she progressed through senior operational positions before continuing under Take2Eton following its acquisition in 2022 and rebrand in 2025.
Previous COO Julie Cope, who had been with Take2Eton since its inception in 2020 as Take Two Travel Solutions, has left the company. According to her LinkedIn page, Cope is taking a career break and is ‘open to work’.
Cope co-founded Take Two Travel Solutions with Chris Thelen, Chief Executive Officer in 2021, and has been integral to the company’s success and growth as a global specialist independent TMC with operations in the UK/Europe and USA. The company also acquired Eton Travel Group in 2022 and subsequently rebranded as Take2Eton Group in 2024.
Her son, Rob Cope, has also recently left Take2Eton to join DGI as Director of Transformation.
Thelen said: “It goes without saying that Julie’s commitment, resilience and belief in what we were building together have helped shape the company into what it is today. I would like to thank her for many years of loyal service, dedication, care and her significant contribution to Take2Eton. We wish her all the very best for the future, and whatever the next chapter brings.
“I am delighted that Leann is taking on the role of Global Head of Operations. The operations team and our clients will be in very safe hands with her at the helm, and it will be very much business as usual.”
Forrest said: “I am proud to take on the role of Global Head of Operations. I am passionate about continually improving our operational processes and building an even stronger transatlantic team to ensure we continue delivering the personal service for which Take2Eton is renowned. The longevity and expertise of our team are exceptional, with consultants averaging 15 years of industry experience. While our technology and AI developments are exciting and will enhance efficiency, they will never replace the human touch and premium service that our clients value.”
In her new role, Forrest will oversee the group’s transatlantic operations team, including travel consultants in the UK and US, as well as out-of-hours support and UK-based leisure operations.
Meanwhile, Kelly O’Sullivan joins as Group Head of Technology in a newly created role. She brings more than 25 years of experience across business travel technology, operations and product support. Most recently, she was Global Product & Support Manager at Wings Travel Management. Previous roles include Head of Technical Operations at Business Travel Direct and senior positions at Reed & Mackay following its acquisition of BTD.
At Take2Eton, O’Sullivan will lead the IT, business intelligence, product and technology implementation teams. She will also oversee development of the company’s technology infrastructure, including further integration of AI-enabled tools across systems and workflows.
“I am excited to join Take2Eton and be part of the company’s continued growth. We have a clear focus on enhancing our technology platform, investing in AI, and ensuring our technology remains agile, innovative and aligned with the needs of our clients and consultants. I look forward to applying my experience across implementation, operations, product and technology to help drive collaboration and innovation across the business,” O’Sullivan commented.
Thelen added: “I am delighted to welcome Kelly to Take2Eton and to congratulate Leann on her expanded role. This is a very exciting time for the business as we continue our growth trajectory and invest further in technology, AI and our people. Both Kelly and Leann bring exceptional experience and expertise in their respective fields, and their leadership will further strengthen the premium travel management services we deliver to our clients.”
The appointments follows former long-serving Reed & Mackay senior executive Julie Oliver’s appointment as CEO, replacing James Parkhouse, who joined as CEO of Take2Eton Group in October 24, left to take up a CEO role at DGI (Diversity Group International), formerly known as Diversity Travel.
