Lagardère Travel Retail has appointed Axel Gauthey as Executive Vice-President Business Development, Middle East, Africa & Asia and Senior Advisor Global Accounts, the travel retailer has announced.

Gauthey will handle business development in the Middle East and Africa and major projects in Asia, as well as nurturing new territories, channels and global accounts.

As a graduate of the ESCE Business School (France), Gauthey previously held several positions at aerospace, defence, security and transportation group Thales, including Sales Director for Asia, Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

He joined Lagardère Travel Retail in 2010 and was appointed Executive Vice President – MEA Development (Middle East, Africa) in 2013.

“The knowledge of Axel of the activities of the Group and his business development know-how will be strong assets that will allow the Group to speed-up its development in travel retail,” a statement read.