The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF) has elected Gatwick Airport (LGW) Head of Retail Rachel Bulford as incoming Chair following the membership organisation’s recent annual general meeting.

She assumes the role of Chair as travel retail continues its recovery from the damaging impacts of Covid-19, and the UK restarts international travel.

Bulford takes over from François Bourienne, who was elected as Chair in June 2018.

Bulford has served on the UKTRF Board for five years and brings a rich vein of experience to the position through her role at Gatwick.

ARRIVALS DUTY FREE PUSH

Prior to joining Gatwick Airport she held positions as Marks and Spencer, Burberry, OC&C Strategy Consultants and Homebase.

“I am delighted to become the Chair of UKTRF at what is a particularly challenging time for travel retail – but also a time of opportunity,” said Bulford. “I look forward to working closely with the rest of the board to support the industry’s recovery and growth after the difficulties brought by Covid.

“I want to thank François Bourienne for his hard work and dedication in guiding UKTRF through one of the most challenging periods of its existence. I know I speak on behalf of all our members in wishing him the very best for the future in his new role as Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airport.

“While Covid-19 has been devastating for the travel industry and we continue to encourage the government to provide the industry with the support it needs, we are also looking forward.

“UKTRF is campaigning hard for the introduction of duty free on arrival at UK international airports, ports and train stations and will be continuing to make the case to the government that travel retailers must be given every opportunity to recover from the pandemic under their own steam.

“Looking ahead, we also understand how important the issue of sustainability and climate change is for our members and our customers. I look forward to working with the Board and UKTRF members to advance this important policy area.”