Adrian Parkes
TMC network Focus Travel Partnership has reappointed Adrian Parkes as interim chair following the departure of Bob Schumacher.
Parkes was previously chair of the partnership for three years until December 2023 when he retired from the role and Schumacher took over.
“The Focus team are delighted to welcome Adrian back in this role, having previously served as chair, and greatly values his experience and expertise,” said the organisation in a statement.
Parkes added: “I am excited by the unexpected opportunity and looking forward to working with the Focus board and team again over the coming months.”
Schumacher had been leading Focus alongside its board of directors and management team following the departure of previous CEO Steve Banks at the end of December.
Focus praised Schumacher, who was previously regional director of sales at United Airlines, for being an “integral part” of the network’s success and for “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,” added Focus in a statement.
“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.”
Focus added that it was in the "recruitment phase" for a new CEO and hoped to announce "a new leader for the business in the coming months".