Richard Thorpe, recently named Chairman of the UK based Travel Retail Consortium, has announced his new business venture: RT Travel Retail Consultants after his resignation from Retail In Motion earlier this year.

Thorpe is well known within the travel retail industry, particularly for his expertise in the inflight jewellery business, which has been his main focus for the past 16 years. His industry experience, however, stretches back some 24 years, during which time he has worked with top brands such as Ray-Ban and Timex.

“This is an exciting time for me,” says Thorpe. “As RT Travel Retail Consultants I am now working with a couple of interesting and innovative brands to open up opportunities for them within the business.

“On an ongoing basis, I will be using my experience and contacts within the industry worldwide to work with companies who are looking to either build on their existing customer base or wish to break into the business for the first time.”