Phocuswright: President Simon Lehmann leaves after ten months

Surprising development at the top of Phocuswright, the global travel market research company: President Simon Lehmann has been released. The departure, though not officialized by Phocuswright yet but confirmed by Lehmann himself, is due to a restructuring of the research and conference company by its parent company North Star Travel Group. Apparently, there is no room for a President anymore. The Phocuswright company management will be reporting directly to Bob Sullivan, President of the North Star Travel Group.

Simon Lehmann’s tenure at the helm of Phocuswright thus ends after only ten months in office. Back in May, Lehmann was still presiding over - and a presenter at - the Phocuswright Europe conference in Amsterdam. The Swiss-born manager had joined Phocuswright after two years as CEO of Biketec (2014-2016); he had previously been CEO of holiday home rental company Interhome from 2006 to 2013. The move to Phocuswright seemed like a natural one for the digitally versatile and future-oriented manager. But Lehmann was unexpectedly stopped short in his tracks, though his departure is not an immediate one.

In a telephone conversation with travelnews.ch, Lehmann explains that he will still be holding several speeches and moderating talks for Phocuswright in the coming weeks, for example at HomeAway’s RezFest in Las Vegas on September 12 or at the Amadeus Partners Event in Monaco on October 19.  

On the positive side, Lehmann can look forward to less flying. According to his own statement, he’s flown more than 150’000 miles since starting his engagement at Phocuswright. He will soon be able to relax in the Swiss home he’s kept in spite of his move to New York.