Responsible Travel, a pioneer in sustainable tourism, has announced significant leadership changes.
- Justin Francis transitions from CEO to executive chair, maintaining influence while focusing on activism and sustainability roles.
- Richard Skinner and Tim Williamson step into joint managing director roles to oversee daily operations.
- The leadership restructure aligns with company growth and a shift towards more ethical banking practices.
- The company’s decision to divest from Barclays highlights its commitment to responsible investment.
In an important announcement, Responsible Travel has detailed a major shift in its leadership team as it prepares for future challenges and opportunities. Justin Francis, the founder and longstanding CEO, will now serve as executive chair. This change enables Francis to continue exerting a strong influence over the company’s strategic direction while dedicating more time to his advocacy and sustainability commitments. He remains engaged with key roles, including serving as the biodiversity lead for the UK’s Council for Sustainable Business and as a board director for Saruni Basecamp in Kenya.
Richard Skinner and Tim Williamson have been appointed as joint managing directors. They are tasked with managing the company’s day-to-day operations amidst a period of pronounced growth, which demands increased recruitment and expansion of the member partnerships team. Williamson, previously a customer director at Tui UK, emphasises the dual role of tourism as a force for good and a contributor to climate change, advocating for more responsible industry practices.
The leadership change coincides with Responsible Travel’s decision to sever ties with Barclays due to its controversial investments in fossil fuels. By moving their banking services to Unity Trust Bank, they are ensuring their financial activities are aligned with sustainable values. This move is part of a broader commitment to fostering ethical banking practices that do not support the fossil fuel industry.
Tim Williamson believes that every business should reflect on the use of its financial resources to ensure they do not exacerbate the climate crisis. He states, “Tourism can and does do so much good, but it also contributes heavily to climate heating.” The company’s new banking choice reflects its ethos of supporting renewables and cutting carbon emissions, establishing its position as a leader in ethical business practices.
While acknowledging the support Barclays provided during challenging times, Responsible Travel prioritises alignment with their core values regarding sustainability. The shift to Unity Trust Bank symbolises the company’s evolutionary journey towards a more environmentally responsible future, with a commitment to ensuring their values are embedded across all aspects of their operations.
Responsible Travel’s leadership transition signifies a strategic shift towards more sustainable business practices and ethical investments.
