Nigel Keal succeeds Frank O’Connell as ETRC President
New European Travel Retail Confederation President Nigel Keal
Nigel Keal was elected as the new President of the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) at its annual meeting on July 4.
He succeeds Frank O’Connell, who has stepped down as ETRC President after many years’ distinguished service.
A member of the ETRC’s Managing Board since 2017, Keal is Global Commercial Director for Dufry, and brings with him a global perspective of the travel retail industry to the role.
During the meeting, ETRC members tackled challenges and discussed opportunities for the travel retail industry.
ETRC is leading industry action on many important topics such as product labeling, Brexit and category-specific challenges.
Following his election, Keal stated: “I am delighted to have been elected President of ETRC and humbled by the trust ETRC members have shown.
Representing this industry at the highest level is a privilege. ETRC is a vital strategic organization that is essential to ensure we overcome our many challenges. The breadth and scale of the work currently being undertaken by ETRC is remarkable. We are actively engaging the EU and key European countries on a number of campaigns, particularly on Brexit ahead of negotiations on the future EU-UK relationship.”
He paid tribute to his predecessors, especially Frank O’Connell, “who has given much of his career to ETRC and its forerunners”.
He continued: “Frank has been a true industry stalwart, a man who has given so much for so long. I am pleased he agreed to stay on the Managing Board of ETRC for another six months to facilitate a smooth transition.”
O’Connell said: “As a former President of ETRC over many years, I know how important it is for the travel retail industry working together towards common goals. This past year has seen a number of challenges arise for the travel retail industry, particularly in relation to Brexit. ETRC is committed to tackling these challenges, and to provide some clarity for our members and for the industry at large. Nigel has the experience and know-how to continue driving these issues as the new President of ETRC.”
The following have been confirmed as members of the ETRC Managing Board:
Nigel Keal, President, ETRC and Global Commercial Director, Dufry; François Bourienne, Chair, UKTRF; Jennifer Cords, Director Corporate Affairs & Compliance, Gebr Heinemann; Alain Maingreaud, President, TFWA; Frank O’Connell, Chair, IDFA; and Jacques Parson, President, BTRA.
ETRC is composed of national and regional affiliated trade associations representing over 200 European companies, Tax Free World Association (TFWA) representing 500 brand companies, and direct corporate membership from individual companies working in the trade across Europe and beyond.
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