Each month, we turn the spotlight on the leadership teams in our portfolio to find out what drives them, who inspires them, and the biggest lessons they’ve learned.
This month, we chat with Jens Penny, CEO of TAG, the high-touch travel management company to the entertainment and corporate markets.
Jens has been with TAG since 2019, throughout a period of intense disruption in the travel sector, and now leads a global team of over 450, together shaping the future of travel management for entertainment and corporate clients. Jens shares what motivates him and his view on what makes a good leader:
Q: Which one rule do you expect your employees to abide by?
The principle rule I emphasise is to just do what’s right. It sounds simple but in business, it’s crucial that everyone is behaving in the right way, and acting in the best interests of the company. It only takes one person to push in the wrong direction to create issues, so it’s vital to maintain integrity and trust. Intuitively most people know what’s right, and our job as leaders is to find people you can trust to do that.
Q: What motivates you?
I’m motivated by seeing outcomes from effort. Whether it’s a business plan or a change project, witnessing the results of hard work is incredibly fulfilling. This was especially evident as we navigated through COVID and emerged stronger, and seeing the effort that went in and then led to so much new business was incredibly motivating.
Q: What are you most proud of in your career?
The TAG journey stands out. Joining the business post their first private equity investment in 2018, navigating through COVID, and then experiencing unprecedented growth and getting investment from ECI in 2024. It’s been a challenging yet fantastically rewarding journey, and it is exciting to now go again. It’s your day job so you take it for granted, and then you have a capital event and look back and think, what a lot we’ve achieved over the past six years.
Q: Who do you admire / who inspires you?
My biggest inspirations are my parents and my wife. Their guidance, values, and lessons have shaped who I am today. While there are many admirable public figures, it’s the personal influences that have had the most profound impact on me.
Q: Why did you choose ECI as your investment partner?
ECI’s track record of success, particularly in travel over the last couple of decades, along with their commitment and chemistry with our team, made them the right fit. They understood the dynamics of the industry from day one, and were committed from the start, which was crucial for our partnership
Q: How do you switch off from thinking about work?
Spending time with my family, walking the dog and playing golf. Golf allows me to switch off. It’s a great way to disconnect from work, as your phone is out of sight, and you need to completely focus to play well. It’s a great social game and it allows me to spend time outdoors without distractions.
Q: Where is the best place you’ve travelled to?
Having worked in travel all my life, I’ve been fortunate to visit many places. So, I don’t have a single favourite, for me it’s all about exploring something new, experiencing different destinations and different cultures.
Q: Favourite film?
“Some Like It Hot” has to be my favourite. I first watched it in on a family caravan holiday in the Eighties in Sweden, with Swedish subtitles! It doesn’t age and is still a very clever comedy to this day, even though I probably know every line in the film now!
