Fred Stratford
Former Reed & Mackay CEO Fred Stratford has taken over as chair of another UK-based travel management company TAG.
Stratford has just retired from his role at Reed & Mackay after 13 years with the Navan-owned TMC and will now lead TAG’s board.
Jens Penny, TAG’s current CEO, will also be stepping down after seven years with the company, which was acquired by private equity firm ECI Partners in 2024. The company said an “external search is currently underway” for a new CEO.
“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 oversee the relationship between TAG’s executive team and its investors,” said TAG in a statement.
TAG, formerly known as The Appointment Group, has also recently appointed John McLaughlin as chief financial officer who is a member of the TMC’s board and executive team.
“I’m thrilled to be taking on the chair role at TAG,” said Stratford of his new role. “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.”
TAG was ranked as the UK’s 13th largest TMC and the 25th largest in Europe in the list of Europe’s Leading TMCs 2025.