Savaria (left) and Cugasi.

John Cugasi is leaving his role as Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning and Business Development at Paradies Lagardère and his responsibilities in planning and development will be handled by Executive Vice President Gerry Savaria.

Cugasi, who has been at the North American duty free and travel retailer since May 2011, will act as Business Development Consultant from Monday 21 March. He will be relocating to Florida which has been one of his personal long-term goals according to the company.

Commenting on the changes, Gregg Paradies, President and CEO, says: “John is a highly respected and trusted leader both within our company and the industry as a whole, and his contributions to the growth and success of Paradies Lagardère are truly immeasurable. I am very pleased that he will be staying on in a consulting role.”

He adds: “I know that Gerry will do a great job in his expanded role as he has a tremendous amount of experience in this vital function and a great team with which to work.” Savaria takes on the extra responsibilities in addition to his role of co-leading the integration of the new company.