European Travel Retail Confederation Senior Counsel Keith Spinks is to step down in August after 30 years of service.

European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) Senior Counsel Keith Spinks is to step down after 30 years of service in August.

Spinks assumed the role of Senior Counsel, with specific responsibility for tobacco-related issues following the appointment of Julie Lassaigne as Secretary General last February.

Nigel Keal, President, ETRC said: “Keith has made a legendary commitment to this industry and for that we all should be extremely grateful. He has been at the forefront of every major lobbying campaign we have fought since 1990 and his efforts have in many ways ensured the continued growth and sustainability of this industry.”

Spinks served as Secretary General, ETRC (formerly known as the International Travel Retail Confederation) from 2000 to 2019. He has played a major role in all duty free campaigns since 1988.

He said: “I started lobbying for duty free in 1988. Other than 30 June 1999, I can honestly say I have enjoyed every day! This is a business full of innovation, diversity, excitement and most of all great people.

“It has been my pleasure to work alongside people such as Frank O’Connell and Sarah Branquinho who have been real trailblazers in protecting the business. I will be stepping down from ETRC at the end of August, but still plan to remain active within the industry and will be seeking out interesting projects for the future.”