UKTRF announces new Board Chair
The UK Travel Retail Forum (UKTRF) has announced the election of Rachel Bulford as incoming Chair at its recent annual general meeting.
Bulford comes to this role with many years’ retail experience. Currently the Retail Director at Gatwick Airport, she previously held roles at Marks and Spencer, Burberry, OC&C Strategy Consultants and Homebase. She has served on the Board for five years.
Bulford takes on the role of Chair during a challenging time as we are becoming hopeful for a burgeoning recovery and just as international travel appears to be restarting in the UK and around the world.
Ms Bulford stated:
“I am delighted to become the Chair of UKTRF at what is a particularly challenging time for travel retail — but also a time of opportunity. I look forward to working closely with the rest of the board to support the industry’s recovery and growth after the difficulties brought by COVID.
“I want to thank Francois Bourienne for his hard work and dedication in guiding UKTRF through one of the most challenging periods of its existence. I know I speak on behalf of all our members in wishing him the very best for the future in his new role as Chief Commercial Officer and Abu Dhabi Airport.
“While COVID-19 has been devastating for the travel industry and we continue to encourage the Government to provide the industry with the support it needs, we are also looking forward. UKTRF are campaigning hard for the introduction of duty free on arrival at UK international airports, ports and train stations and will be continuing to make the case to the Government that travel retailers must be given every opportunity to recover from the pandemic under their own steam.
“Looking ahead, we also understand how important the issue of sustainability and climate change is for our members and our customers. I look forward to working with the Board and UKTRF members to advance this important policy area.”