FRANCE/INTERNATIONAL. Alain Maingreaud has been named President of the Tax Free World Association (TFWA).
An election was held at a meeting of the TFWA Management Committee in Paris earlier today.
Maingreaud has a one-year mandate to lead the association, succeeding Erik Juul-Mortensen, who steps down after a 19-year tenure as President.
As reported, the election was contested by four candidates: Maingreaud, Gerry Munday, Thom Rankin and Andrew Ford.
Candidates made a short presentation to the Management Committee earlier today, after which the vote took place.
Maingreaud commented: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed President of TFWA, especially following an election with such strong candidates. I am very grateful for the support I have received from the Management Committee, and look forward to beginning work in earnest.
“I have, of course, a hard act to follow. Erik helped create TFWA and has worked tirelessly to nurture and promote the association and indeed the wider industry – something which I embrace and would like to continue in the same spirit.”
Juul-Mortensen said: “It has been a genuine honour and a privilege to serve as TFWA President. I wish Alain every success in this very rewarding and sometimes challenging role, and I know that he will enjoy the full support of the Board and Management Committee.
“I am proud of what TFWA has achieved during my time with the association, and of the contribution it has made to the development of the duty free and travel retail industry. I am greatly indebted to the members of the TFWA Board and Management Committee, past and present, for their support, counsel and encouragement, through good times and bad, and for the support and friendship of TFWA’s partners around the world, notably in Cannes and Singapore, where I have many memories to treasure.
“My wider thanks go to everyone in our industry for their support during my time as TFWA President. We have the good fortune to work in a global business that is constantly challenging, continually evolving, and always rewarding. I trust that TFWA will continue to play a positive role in helping all duty free and travel retail companies reach their full potential, and encouraging all to work together to the benefit of the travelling consumer.”
