New UKTRF Chair Francois Bourienne.

The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF) has today (12 June) elected Francois Bourienne, Chief Commercial Officer, AGS Airports as Chair. 

Bourienne, who also serves as Glasgow Airport Commercial Director, takes over from outgoing Chair Sarah Branquinho, External Affairs Director, Dufry who served the organisation in the same role for over 13 years.

Dufry UK, Head of Distribution & Center Parks, Martyn Scarf (Nuance) was also elected as Vice-Chair.

Bourienne said: “I am honoured to be elected UKTRF Chair. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Sarah Branquinho for all her years of service. Our industry is at a cross-roads as we approach the Brexit deadline and the opportunity to see duty free sales return to the United Kingdom to EU destinations.

“We will continue to strengthen our relationships with government and industry partners as we represent the interests of our members at this exciting time.”

NON-EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER 

Branquinho (left) who has been co-opted onto the board as a Non-Executive Board Member commented: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to serve UKTRF and members of the travel retail industry as Chair for the past 13 years.

“I have worked with such a wonderful group of people to ensure that the duty free and travel retail industry is best protected from regulatory challenges faced by the sector. I will continue to support UKTRF on matters such as the return of duty free post Brexit and look forward to the future challenges ahead.”

The Board thanked departing Imperial Tobacco Head of Corporate Affairs and Compliance Jennifer Cords, who leaves the Board and welcomes Dufry Group Procurement Director Nigel Keal as new Director.