Focus Travel Partnership recruits Paul Spencer as managing director

Focus Travel Partnership has appointed Paul Spencer as managing director following an “in-depth selection process”.

Spencer, who began his role on Tuesday, April 22, was previously managing director of Internet Travel Solutions.

He said he was delighted to be joining Focus, which describes itself as the UK’s leading business travel consortium for small and medium-sized travel management companies.

He added: “The role allows me to bring my experience and industry knowledge from a wide variety of senior management positions in the TMC and business travel partnership sector to a successful and extremely well-run organisation.”

Spencer’s appointment follows the departure of chief executive Steve Banks, who left his role on December 31. Banks stayed within Focus Travel Partnership by becoming chief executive of the new corporate travel division of The Human Network.

Spencer entered the business travel sector in 2008 when he joined Hillgate Travel following a career in global assignment management and software development both as a supplier and a client.

During his time with Statesman Travel, he held responsibility for the TSI global network, incorporating 40 TMC members, through which he launched TSI’s UK Iata operations under the ITS brand in 2019.

His roles have also included the promotion and implementation of technology and software for “high-volume airline solutions” in areas including passenger disruption and crew management.

Focus chair Adrian Parkes said: “Following a comprehensive and in-depth selection process by the Focus board of directors, it is a pleasure to welcome Paul to the role of managing director.

“He brings strong leadership experience and industry knowledge, and will be an asset in driving continued success for the whole partnership. The team are looking forward to working with him.”

Spencer added: “I look forward to collaborating with the Focus team, our board, TMC partners and suppliers to further develop the value of this unique business.”