Independent business travel specialist names new chief executive

Former long-serving Reed & Mackay senior executive Julie Oliver is to take the helm of independent travel management company Take2Eton Group.

She is to join the business travel specialist as chief executive on August 3, with current post holder Chris Thelen taking the title of founder and chairman.

Oliver was previously managing director at Business Travel Direct (BTD) for 24 years until its acquisition by Reed & Mackay in 2019. 

She went on to hold senior positions at Reed & Mackay including global chief operating officer, European chief executive and most recently chief executive of global events. 

Oliver said: “Chris and I have spent many years discussing what exceptional client service should look like in modern corporate travel.

“Take2Eton has built something genuinely differentiated, combining agility, personal service and global capability in a way that strongly reflects where I believe the market is heading.”

She added: “I am very excited to join Take2Eton as CEO and I’m looking forward to working closely with Chris as we embark on a new chapter of leadership, growth and investment for the business.

“Our focus will remain on strengthening our high-touch travel management services, developing the events division, and continuing to invest in AI, technology, and data to enhance our client offering.

“I am also looking forward to building on the close partnership that Take2Eton enjoys with SAP Concur, as this echoes the strong relationship I developed with SAP Concur during my time at BTD.”

Thelen said: “I am thrilled to welcome Julie to Take2Eton and am excited about the acumen and leadership expertise she brings to our business. 

“Julie’s reputation within premium travel management and events speaks for itself, but what excites me most is our shared belief in the future of this industry - one where relationships, responsiveness and executive-level service matter more than ever. 

“As CEO she will work very much in partnership with me, combining our strengths and vision to ensure Take2Eton’s continued success. 

“It was essential to find someone with the right experience and a strong cultural fit for our business, and Julie is the ideal choice. With Julie on board, I look forward to focusing on growing our business.”