Rachel Bulford is the new Head of Retail at Gatwick Airport, following the departure of Spencer Sheen to take up the position of new Business Development Director at WHSmith Travel, after four years and 11 months with the airport company.

 

Bulford is now effectively responsible for managing 82 shops and 36 restaurants following a career that has included spells at Marks and Spencer, Homebase and Burberry. During her time at Marks and Spencer she also worked in international development for the retailer in India, Russia and South Korea. Most recently she also worked for OC&C Strategy Consultants.

 

‘UNIQUE RETAILING PROPOSITION…’

Commenting on her new role, Bulford said: “Gatwick is a unique retailing proposition, needing to have [a] blend of brands to cater for the variety of different needs among the airport’s 42 million passengers a year.

 

“For me, there is a heightened expectation with airport shopping and dining – plus the fact that our passengers have limited time before heading off on their holiday or business trip. Meaning that we have to create fantastic experiences which run like clockwork.

 

“I’m looking forward to enhancing and developing the range here at Gatwick working in partnership with the great brands here at the airport, plus new ones in the future.”

 

 

NEW IDEAS AND BEST PRACTICE…

Adding his comments, Gatwick Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer Guy Stephenson said: “Rachel joins Gatwick with a wealth of experience across high street and luxury retailers. This coupled with the years that she has spent working internationally in emerging markets enables her to bring a host of new ideas and international best practice to retailing at Gatwick.

 

“Just this week Gatwick was named one of the Best Airports in Western Europe in the influential Skytrax Awards. I’m looking forward to working with Rachel to maintain Gatwick’s leading position and ensure that our passengers have the best possible start to their time away.”

 

Spencer Sheen was the first Head of Retail to be appointed back at Gatwick following the creation of the post back in 2011. He left the airport company after four years and 11 months to become the new Business Development Director at WHSmith Travel, where he now works alongside International Operations Director Gavin McKechnie.