Paradies Lagardère has announced that long-serving executive Gerry Savaria will step down as Chief Development Officer at the end of the year after a 33-year career with the organisation.

Savaria will continue to support the business in an advisory capacity into 2024.

“I greatly appreciate Gerry’s partnership over the years as he has done an outstanding job leading the business development, marketing, and design and construction functions for our company,” commented Gregg Paradies, President and CEO, Paradies Lagardère.

At the same time, the North American travel retailer and restaurateur has named David Bisset as its new Executive Vice President, effective today.

New Chief Development Officer

Bisset, who reports to President and CEO Gregg Paradies, will succeed Savaria at Chief Development Officer at the end of the year. He will work closely with Savaria to smooth the transition.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Gerry in his new advisory role,” added Paradies. “In addition, I am very excited to have David join the organisation as he brings a wealth of experience and will be a great cultural fit.”

New Zealand national Bisset has more than 20 years’ experience across the Pacific, Asia, and Middle East in heading private companies and divisions within publicly traded companies.

Most recently he was a partner with a US-based private equity firm focusing on American and Middle East-based investments, including within the aviation sector.

He previously worked with Lagardère Travel Retail for 10 years during which time he held a number of positions, including CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Middle East and Executive General Manager, Pacific.

With responsibilities covering business development, operations, buying, marketing, supply chain, and investment, Bisset is well versed in Lagardère Travel Retail’s three business lines – Travel Essentials, Duty Free & Fashion, and Foodservice.

Prior to Lagardère Travel Retail, he spent time with DFS in Singapore and New Zealand, managing duty free and luxury operations.