We’re delighted to share the news that ECI-backed TAG, a global award-winning travel and event management company, has announced several key leadership changes in support of its continued global growth and expansion strategy.
Fred Stratford has assumed the position of Chair. In his new role he will lead the board working closely with ECI and the Executive Team. Stratford brings deep industry experience, having served as Group Chief Executive Officer at Reed & Mackay, a global travel provider which ECI backed in 2011. With more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry and a strong track record of leading high-performing teams, Stratford is well-positioned to support TAG’s continued growth and to oversee the relationship between TAG’s Executive Team and its investors.
Jens Penny, TAG’s Chief Executive Officer, will be stepping down after seven years with the company. During his tenure, Penny has helped drive TAG’s transformation and international expansion, positioning the business for long-term growth and success. His leadership has guided TAG through a period of significant evolution leading up to the 2024 investment transaction and has laid the foundations for TAG’s next phase of strategic development. An external search is currently underway for a new CEO.
Complementing this leadership evolution, John McLaughlin joined TAG as Chief Financial Officer earlier this year. McLaughlin will also serve as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Team. He brings 25 years of experience in finance, including CFO appointments in the travel sector and PE-backed businesses. McLaughlin will oversee the company’s global finance teams and play a pivotal role in driving financial strategy and performance across all regions.
“I’m thrilled to be taking on the Chair role at TAG,” said Stratford. “The company has an incredible foundation and reputation in the global travel and event management space. I’ve long admired TAG’s high-touch, personalised approach and the outstanding level of service provided to clients around the world. I look forward to building on the great work of our talented team and the exceptional partnerships that have been developed with suppliers. Together with the Executive Team and ECI Partners, we’ll continue driving the company’s next phase of growth and success.
“Thank you to Jens for his contribution to the business over the past seven years. Looking ahead, we’re delighted to be working again with Fred, after our successful partnership together at Reed & Mackay. With the new additions of Fred and John, we’re excited by the opportunity TAG has to further build its global leadership position delivering high-end travel management services to some of the largest names in music, film and TV production, as well as top C-suite and corporate executives,” said George Moss, Partner at ECI Partners.
“I’m delighted to be joining TAG at such a pivotal and exciting time in its growth journey,” said John
McLaughlin, Chief Financial Officer. “As CFO, I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to drive our strategic growth initiatives and deliver enduring value for all stakeholders.”
These changes mark an important step forward in TAG’s long-term growth plan, ensuring the company remains strategically aligned as it continues to expand its global presence and strengthen its partnerships across all divisions.
