Jennifer Cords has been in charge of regulatory affairs for ETRC for the past two years.

The European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) has appointed Jennifer Cords as its new President with immediate effect.

Cords, Director Corporate Affairs & Compliance at Gebr. Heinemann and ETRC Vice-President Regulatory Affairs, takes over from Nigel Keal who has stood down as President due to a change in his personal circumstances.

He will remain on the Managing Board to ensure continuity and ease the transition, a statement read.

Commenting on her appointment, Cords said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Nigel for his stewardship and dedication to ETRC. He fostered a true cooperation within the organisation which I plan to carry on.

Nigel Keal will remain on the Managing Board to ensure a smooth transition.

“I am very honoured to take on the role of ETRC President. I look forward to working in partnership with the Supervisory and Managing Boards of ETRC, ETRC’s corporate members as well as the wider industry.”

Keal added: “I am extremely pleased that Jennifer has agreed to step in to take the position of President at ETRC.

“She is widely respected within our industry, and I have no doubt that her expertise and passion for travel retail will be great assets to the benefit of ETRC and its members.

“I have greatly enjoyed and am immensely proud serving as President on the Managing and Supervisory Boards over the past three years, leading ETRC though very uncertain times.

“I am in particular satisfied to leave the association at a time of financial stability, with excellent members support as well as a settled secretariat. I would like to thank the ETRC Boards and members for their trust and support.”

The ETRC Managing Board consists of Rachel Bulford, Chair, UKTRF; Erik Juul-Mortensen, President, TFWA; Paul Neeson, Director of Retail Ireland, ARI; Jacques Parson, President, BTRA; Eva Rehnström, Board member, NTRG