TAG GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Technology Officer
- Member of the Management Team
Bruce joined TAG in 2020, bringing in 25 years of travel industry and technology experience. He is an established CTO\CIO leader with previous senior travel industry roles at Air Black Box, dnata Travel, Stella Travel Services, Elegant Resorts and the Gold Medal Travel Group.
Bruce has extensive technology experience, starting from an early age with personal computers. He studied technology at university, graduating with a master's degree in engineering. At the start of his career in the travel industry he found himself developing software for some of the first travel e-commerce websites, including expedia.co.uk. He progressed to managing teams and developing travel systems, and subsequently led technology functions across B2B and B2C travel businesses.
Besides work and his passion for technology, Bruce loves spending time with his family, travelling and enjoying the outdoors in North Wales.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Group Touring Director
Byron Carr joined TAG in 1996, from Uniglobe Sterling Travel. He's worked his way up through the company to become Group Touring Director, where he takes a hands-on approach - working closely with his VIP client portfolio on a daily basis.
Byron's dedication to TAG and his clients shines through in everything he does. After all, as he always says, this job combines his two passions in life: music and travel. When he's not taking care of his clients, Byron enjoys nothing more than spending time with his wife and daughters.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Management Team
- Chief Operating Officer, USA & UK
Gabrielle is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years' experience in the travel industry - many of which have been at TAG.
As the Chief Operating Officer of TAG, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all aspects of travel management. Gabrielle is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company, including developing and implementing strategic plans, managing budgets and ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction is met. Her leadership and management skills have played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company.
Outside of work, Gabrielle loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, enjoying good food and wine, playing as much tennis as possible and travelling the world - especially visiting our TAG offices!
Job Titles:
- Chief People Officer
- Managing Director, UK
- Member of the Management Team
Jennifer joined us in 2019, tasked with leading TAG's global people development programme and talent acquisition. Enhancing the employee experience globally is a key focus for Jen, building on the very strong foundations of the TAG culture.
Prior to TAG, Jen's roles included executive HR Director at Crown Agents (international development) and Global Talent Management and Development Director at LGC (science - private sector). Jen's early career was in Forensic Science where she was operations focused and also where she first became passionate about the ‘people' agenda across changing and evolving businesses.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Management Team
Jens Penny joined TAG in 2019, bringing with him extensive experience in the travel industry having held senior finance and operational roles in private equity backed, privately-owned and multinational travel companies including Stella Travel Services, The Global Travel Group and the Airtours Group. His most recent appointment was as Chief Financial Officer of dnata Travel Europe, having taken on this role after managing the sale of Stella Travel Services to dnata Travel Europe in 2014.
Outside of work, Jens loves spending time with his family and is a keen golfer, runner and all round sports enthusiast. In the summer you will invariably find him dog walking on the beach or out on the water in Abersoch in North Wales.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Member of the Management Team
- President
John Gianquitto has spent his entire career in the travel business. He cut his teeth with British Airways and Trinifold Travel - before co-founding The Appointment Group (now TAG) in 1988. John is based in the London office and still has a hands-on role within TAG today. His primary focus is delivering the highest quality service and the best possible value to clients.
John grew up in Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK, and now lives with his family in the Chilterns, Buckinghamshire. When he's out of the office, you will find him on the golf course or in his garden.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Asia Pacific
- Member of the Management Team
- Managing Director of TAG APAC
- Managing Director of TAG Asia Pacific
Shane Barr is Managing Director of TAG Asia Pacific. Shane Barr serves as Managing Director of TAG APAC and has played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding TAG's brand in the Asia Pacific region. He was instrumental when opening TAG's Australian operation office in 2013 - and the Singapore office in 2015. Today, he oversees strategy and operations across the APAC region.
Shane has garnered widespread recognition within the travel industry through his reputation as an innovator and catalyst for change. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at TAG, drawing from his experience of roles at renowned organisations, including TUI (UK), Cassidy Travel (Dublin) and Moves Travel Group (Australia). With his unwavering commitment to excellence, Shane continues to lead TAG APAC towards new horizons, constantly pushing boundaries and shaping the future of the travel industry.
Away from the office, Shane lives an active lifestyle as a keen gym-goer and rugby enthusiast.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Member of the Management Team
After joining TAG in 2021, Simon was appointed to Chief Financial Officer in June 2022. As a Chartered Accountant, he has 14 years of experience in the travel industry. Within finance, Simon has held numerous roles in both private equity-backed and multinational travel companies, including a period in Dubai with dnata Travel, part of the Emirates Group.
On a personal level, Simon is an avid Liverpool fan. He loves spending time with his family and is a keen gym-goer in his downtime.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Management Team
Terry Williamson became Chairman of TAG in 2018. Terry brings with him vast experience from across the travel sector - as CEO he has recently led 3 separate successful PE exits over the last 12 years for Jactravel and earlier School Travel Group generating significant returns for shareholders. Previously he has also held senior roles at Cosmos, Monarch Travel Group and Thomas Cook.
Outside of work, Terry can be found playing golf at his clubs in Sussex and Marbella, or squash locally in the UK, as well as travelling.