Edrington has named Helen Wong (left) as Managing Director, Asia Travel Retail, effective immediately. Wong, who will be based in Singapore, replaces Marcelo Colombo, who has moved to a role within the Edrington Americas team, as Vice President Marketing for The Macallan and National On-Trade Accounts.
Ms Wong joins Edrington from Swedish watch brand Daniel Wellington, where she held several travel retail positions including Head of Global Travel Retail. During her three years at the company, Ms Wong was instrumental in developing Daniel Wellington’s travel retail business in Asia – including the roll-out of luxury retail and boutiques across the channel.
Previously, she spent nearly six years with DFS Group working in various merchandising roles within the retailer’s Luxury and Fine Watches division.
Edrington Global Travel Retail Managing Director Suzy Smith said: “Asia remains a hugely strategic, influential market and Helen’s experience in luxury and strong track record for driving growth in the region make her an ideal candidate. We look forward to introducing Helen to our partners as soon as travel restrictions allow and welcome her to the team as we continue our dynamic journey focused on brand building, recruitment and premiumisation.
“I would also like to thank Marcelo for his contribution, enthusiasm and achievements over the past three years. We wish him all the best for his new chapter with Edrington.”
Helen Wong said: “Edrington Global Travel Retail has forged a well-deserved reputation for innovation, premiumisation and brand-building, particularly in Asia, where The Macallan growth trajectory in recent years has been impressive. While I join the Asia Travel Retail team at what is clearly a challenging time for the industry, there is also an exciting opportunity in the region to lead the channel’s global recovery by strengthening our partnerships and reconnecting with consumers as they begin to travel once again.”
Marcelo Colombo said: “While I am very excited for my new challenge within Edrington, it’s a bittersweet feeling to have taken a new role outside of the travel retail industry, in which I have spent the last ten years of my career and which has given me so many great friends, colleagues and wonderful experiences.
“I will miss the fantastic people I’ve met along the way, and continue being a strong supporter and ambassador for this channel. I trust that in spite of the current challenges travel retail will thrive again soon, and that our brands will continue their success in Asia under the leadership of Helen.”
