Distell International and Delhi Duty Free join APTRA board
APTRA is pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members: Luke Maga, Manaing Director, Global Travel Retail, Distell International, and Philip Eckles, CEO of Delhi Duty Free
APTRA (Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members. With immediate effect Distell International, with personal representation from Luke Maga, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail, Distell International, will now represent the alcohol category and Delhi Duty Free, represented by Philip Eckles, CEO of Delhi Duty Free, brings an additional retailer voice for the region.
Commenting on the new appointments, Sunil Tuli, President of APTRA says: “I’m pleased to welcome the expertise and best practices of Luke and Philip to the APTRA board. India is such an important and fast-moving market and Delhi Duty Free is a market leader in shaping the future of travel retail in the country. We will benefit greatly from Philip’s understanding of the dynamics of the Indian consumer, the political landscape and the challenges of developing a retail business at pace. Earlier this year, Delhi Duty Free was a proactive advocacy partner with APTRA in protecting alcohol allowances in India.
The broad range of brands within the Distell portfolio covers just about every category in spirits, wines, liqueurs, beers and ciders and so Luke brings a great understanding and insights of both mature and emerging categories and their opportunities within travel retail across Asia Pacific. Distell has been a hugely enthusiastic supporter of APTRA over the past four years and we welcome Luke’s energy and enthusiasm for the region.
The pressures on business right now are extraordinary and so I am very grateful to all APTRA board members for giving their personal time and their on-going valued contribution to our mission in supporting the industry through the crisis. We thank the two departing board members, Andrew Gardiner of Melbourne Airport and alcohol industry specialist Ryan Hill, for their commitment and time given. We are pleased to announce that existing board member, Julia Bauer from Imperial Tobacco Group, has been appointed to the role of APTRA Secretary. Change is taking place everywhere. In every category, sector, market and geography. However, the strength of our association and the commitment that is felt from members, from our executive team through to the board, is commendable.”
The individuals on the APTRA board represent member organizations in each of the major product categories, retailers and airports. As such, when Grant Fleming resigned in April, Lagardère’s position needed to be replaced and is now filled by Delhi Duty Free, represented by Philip Eckles. Distell, represented by Luke Maga, has filled the alcohol category created by Ryan Hill’s departure. Given the current challenges for airports and additional responsibilities in his role, Andrew Gardiner and Melbourne Airport decided to step down from the board and APTRA is currently in discussion with other airports to fill the airport seat.
