Homeworking group Azure Indies has appointed Abby Penston as Chief Executive Officer as it continues to grow its membership.
Abby was previously Chief Executive of travel management group Focus Travel Partnership and more recently co-Managing Director of Benelux tour operator Connections.
She founded leadership consultancy MyExecUK in 2024 and has been working with Azure on a consultancy basis for more than a year.
Working alongside Azure Chairman Edward Leigh, she has consulted on the homeworker platform’s commercial model, consultant agreements, technology and supplier relationships.
Hers is the latest in a series of appointments at Azure Indies, including Vicki Pichart and Donna Smethurst, who joined its Partner Engagement team, and Jo Shayler, who is Independent Consultant and Advisory Director.
“Azure Indies is growing faster than any of us planned, and the calibre of consultant joining us has raised the bar for everyone,” said Edward.
“I have known Abby for many years through my 10 years on the Board of Directors at The Focus Travel Partnership and watched her lead 57 businesses through the pandemic and run a major tour operator.
“Azure Indies will continue to go from strength to strength with more major announcements in the coming months.”
The homeworking group was launched 18 months ago by luxury tour operator Azure, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a trade lunch at luxury London hotel Claridge’s on Friday.
Abby said: “I have spent my career championing independent travel businesses, and I know how much the right commercial model, the right support and the right leadership matter. Azure Indies has all three and a founding principle I believe in completely: that independent consultants deserve a fairer, more ethical and more empowering platform. I am not joining to manage what exists. I am joining to build what comes next.”
