Left: Rob Marriott, CEO, ARIME. Right: Sherif Toulan, CEO, International Duty Free Trading & Agencies Ltd.

The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) convened its 24th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dubai on 25 March, 2025, with new board and officers announced for the 2025-2027 term.

Rob Marriott, CEO, Aer Rianta International Middle East (ARIME) has been elected President, taking on the position from Sherif Toulan, who served for two consecutive terms.

“It is a privilege to lead MEADFA at this pivotal time for our industry,” said Marriott. “Our focus will be on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, driving meaningful innovation, and ensuring that the voice of travel retail in the Middle East and Africa is represented.

“Together, we will work towards strengthening the resilience of our industry, address emerging challenges, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

Commented Toulan: “Serving as President of MEADFA for two consecutive terms has been an incredible honour.

“Over the past four years, we have faced challenges, embraced new opportunities, and strengthened our industry’s position across the Middle East and Africa.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I have full confidence that the new leadership will continue to drive the association forward with the same passion and commitment.”

More elected officers are: Abdeslam Agzoul, CEO Middle East & Africa, Avolta as Vice President; Karl Raphael, CEO, Chairman, Aphrodite SARL as Secretary General; and Dr. Bernard Creed, Senior Vice President, Finance (Retail & Leisure), Dubai Duty Free as Treasurer.

Elected Board members include: Chichi Maponya, Co-founder and Executive Chairperson, Africa Travel Retail; Isaias Diaz, General Manager, Dufry MAROC; Bernard Schlafstein, Sales Director Middle East & Africa, Gebr. Heinemann; Sherif Toulan, CEO, International Duty Free Trading & Agencies Ltd; Haitham AL Majali, CEO, Jordanian Duty Free Shops; Munif Mohamed, CEO, Lagardère Travel Retail Middle East; and Philippe Marguerite, President TFWA.

The affiliate members of MEADFA elected their category group representative to serve on the MEADFA Board as follows: representing the confectionery category, Mazen Kaddoura, Global Sales Director, Travel Retail & Duty Free, Notions Global LLC; representing the tobacco category is Milika Kalyati, Corporate Affairs & Communications Manager, JT International; and representing the liquor category is Roger Jackson, Managing Director, Organico Solutions FZCO.

The newly elected leadership will guide the association through the next phase of industry transformation, with a strong focus on advocacy, sustainability and innovation.

The new face of MEADFA for the 2025-2027 term.

MEADFA continues to expand its membership, with 72 members now part of the association. This growth is said to highlight the ongoing efforts of the Membership Committee, led by Roger Jackson, in broadening the association’s reach. 

During AGM, the Advocacy Committee, chaired by Rob Marriott, highlighted the association’s key accomplishments from 2024, including ‘proactive involvement in the campaign to protect the duty free sector led by DFWC, ongoing collaboration with regional organisations, and the enhancement of advocacy efforts through strategic initiatives’.

Looking ahead, the committee has pledged to prioritise strengthening regulatory engagement, promote industry-friendly policies and foster deeper partnerships with global and regional stakeholders. 

Furthermore, MEADFA’s Sustainability Committee, led by Dr. Munif Mohammed, remains committed to supporting members in adopting sustainable practices.

Mohammed recognises that addressing sustainability challenges requires a shift in mindset, from seeking competitive advantage to embracing collaborative advantage. As such, the committee is driving initiatives aligned with broader ESG goals, with efforts that aim to foster industry-wide progress and meaningful partnerships for a more sustainable future.

During the meeting, MEADFA Treasurer, Dr. Bernard Creed, presented the 2024 financial report and projections for 2025.

Looking ahead, MEADFA states it remains committed to ‘advocating for its members and ensuring their voices are heard, strengthening regional partnerships and driving industry progress in an ever-evolving global landscape’.

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