Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin has responded after being honoured in absentia with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the inaugural Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Awards.

As reported, the MEADFA Awards were revealed during the gala dinner at the 20^th MEADFA Conference at the Art Hotel & Resort in Bahrain (27-29 November).

The special award recognised McLoughlin’s outstanding contribution to the travel retail industry and strong leadership of DDF since 1983.

Ramesh Cidambi, COO of DDF, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of McLoughlin, who was unable to attend, in the company of other DDF officials including Salah Tahlak, Joint COO; Sinead El Sibai, SVP – Marketing; Bernard Creed, SVP – Finance; Mona Al Ali, SVP – Human Resources; Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail; Sharon Beecham, SVP – Purchasing; and Zayed Al Shebli, SVP – Loss Prevention & Corporate Security.

McLoughlin commented: “I am delighted and very touched to receive this special award at the inaugural MEADFA Awards, it is a huge honour and I am very grateful to the MEADFA board for nominating me and to the judging panel.”

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement honour, DDF was a joint winner in the Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Award alongside Bitmore.

This acknowledged the airport retailer for its commitment to sustainability and promoting environmental projects within and outside the organisation.

“It is also terrific to be recognised for sustainability and corporate social responsibility,” added McLoughlin. “I attribute this recognition to our team of staff for their continuous effort in making our business successful and, of course, to our Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.”

A special independent judging panel with a strong background in the travel retail industry adjudicated the MEADFA awards.

Prior to the jury’s evaluation and scoring, the MEADFA committee examined each award submission to ensure its completion.

To read reports from Day One and Day Two of the MEADFA Conference, click the respective links.