QDF spoke to TRBusiness in Cannes during the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference.

Qatar Duty Free (QDF) Senior Vice President Thabet Musleh has told TRBusiness that the recent appointments of Grant Fleming and Nuno Moreira to the leadership team ‘won’t be the last’.

In an adjunct to ‘The QDF Way’ video insights series, produced by TRBusiness in partnership with QDF, Musleh spoke to this publication in a video interview filmed on location at the Carlton Cannes hotel, coinciding with last week’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference (click below to watch the full video).

“We are always looking for talent; QDF has very high standards and those standards come from our people,” commented Musleh. “They are the core part of our business. It’s really important we bring in those people and match the standards and ambitions of QDF.

“I’m proud to say Nuno and Grant match that ambition and I believe them coming in will help us to grow this business.”

Big openings in last three months

As reported, former APTRA President Fleming and experienced airport and retail executive Moreira have been named Vice President, F&B and Vice President, Strategy & Commercial, respectively.

Reflecting on a strong summer following the publication of QDF’s annual results, Musleh points to strength across the luxury, beauty and fashion accessories segments in particular, adding: “We are on target for another record year.”

He speaks about the company’s three-year sponsorship agreement with Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix, in a deal that broadens QDF’s exposure to global motorsport fans watching the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix and MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar.

Asked about the development of QDF’s much-anticipated multi-channel retail platform – from inflight to ground – Musleh confirmed the company is ‘on target’ for a first quarter 2024 launch.

Elsewhere, Musleh teases a ‘huge global event’ concerning a brand in November ‘that will really change the landscape in travel retail’.

Click below for more episodes in The QDF Way video series. #TheQDFWay

To read a special report on QDF carried in the TRBusiness Top 10 International Operators report, click here.

READ MORE: The QDF Way: Mastering successful partnerships in the luxury space