The Nordic Travel Retail Group (NTRG) has elected Travel Retail Norway Communications Manager Haakon Dagestad as its new Chairperson.

Dagestad, replaces Eva Rehnström, Sales and Purchasing Manager, Beauty & Fashion, Viking Line, who has been Chairperson for the past six years.

The election of the new Chairperson and board took place on 11 March 2021 during the group’s first digital Annual General Meeting.

In her final report delivered at the Annual General Meeting Rehnström said: “It is time for me to pass on the torch to the next NTRG chairperson to take NTRG to the next level. Even though the challenges for our business are vast, so are the opportunities.

“We are looking forward to brighter days and I have great confidence in the future work for the support of our Nordic Travel Retail industry.”

BUSINESS AND POLITICAL BACKGROUND

Over the past six years Dagestad has been working to ‘protect and evolve’ the Norwegian duty free market. He previously served as Chief of Staff to the current Prime Minister of Norway and has worked in business and politics during his career.

He commented: “I am happy and humbled to have been elected Chairperson of a group that continues to evolve and drive the travel industry forward in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

“Together with the board I will continue working to make NTRG an organisation that promotes the industry, connects its members and works closely with the European Travel Retail Confederation and other trade organisations to enhance the conditions for the travel retail industry.”

The NTRG Board now comprises of Mark Winslow, Scandlines; Ada Röntynen, Fazer Confectionery; Eva Rehnström, Viking Line; Elsebeth Lillienschiold, Remy Cointreau; Charlotte Rankloo, Nordic Beverage Company; Jan Hesdorf, Hans Just; Haakon Dagestad, Travel Retail Norway (Chairperson); Aimar Pärna, Tallink Grupp (Alternate)