June 25 2020  |  Associations

Keith Spinks to step down from ETRC after 30 years

By Mary Jane Pittilla

Keith Spinks plans to remain active in the industry after stepping down from ETRC at the end of August

The European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) has announced that Senior Counsel, Keith Spinks, will step down after 30 years of service to the industry.

Spinks has agreed to remain in the post until the end of August, ensuring that his wealth of knowledge is utilized for ongoing initiatives, the ETRC said in a press release.

ETRC President Nigel Keal said: ‘Keith has made a legendary commitment to this industry and for that we all should be extremely grateful. He has been at the forefront of every major lobbying campaign we have fought since 1990, and his efforts have in many ways ensured the continued growth and sustainability of this industry.”

Spinks served as Secretary General of ETRC, and its predecessor ITRC, from 2000 to 2019 and before that played a major role in all duty free campaigns since 1988.

Following Julie Lassaigne’s appointment to the Secretary General role last year, Keith has acted as ETRC Senior Counsel with specific responsibility for tobacco-related issues.

Spinks said: “I started lobbying for duty free in 1988. Other than June 30 1999 [the day intra-EU duty free was abolished], I can honestly say I have enjoyed every day.”

He continued: “This is a business full of innovation, diversity, excitement, and most of all, great people. It has been my pleasure to work alongside people such as Frank O’Connell and Sarah Branquinho, who have been real trailblazers in protecting the business. I will be stepping down from ETRC at the end of August, but still plan to remain active within the industry and will be seeking out interesting projects for the future.”

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