Frank O’Connell succeeds Sarah Branquinho as European Travel Retail Confederation President

Frank O’Connell: “[We will] maximise the opportunities from a changing landscape for the industry.”
EUROPE. Frank O’Connell has been elected as the new President of the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC).

He succeeds Sarah Branquinho, who is stepping back from the role after six years of service and 15 years of membership of the ETRC Board.

Frank O’Connell is vastly experienced in the industry, having served both on the ETRC Board and as President of ETRC for many years. He is also the President of the Duty Free World Council (DFWC), and will bring a global perspective of the travel retail industry to the role.

O’Connell thanked Branquinho for her dedication to the industry in her role as President. “Sarah’s stewardship of the European Travel Retail Confederation was exemplary, steering the industry’s European representation during challenging times,” he said.

Sarah Branquinho: “It has been a huge privilege to serve the industry as ETRC’s President for the last six years.”

“I am delighted to announce that she will continue to work with the ETRC board on Brexit. Sarah’s knowledge of what drives the industry is unparalleled and we are fortunate to be able to continue benefiting from her experience and guidance.

“The ETRC Board has changed significantly in recent years with new members coming in. I am delighted that they have asked me to serve a year as President in order to allow for an effective transition to the new generation of ETRC leadership.”

O’Connell said ETRC’s aim was to build on the work done under Sarah Branquinho’s leadership “to minimise the potential negative impacts and maximise the opportunities from a changing landscape for the industry across Europe and beyond. That is our mission on behalf of the industry.”

Branquinho commented: “It has been a huge privilege to serve the industry as ETRC’s President for the last six years, and I would like to thank the Managing Board, Supervisory Board, corporate members, staff and the wider advocacy team for their support.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Dufry for making it possible for me to commit so much time to this role. We have dealt with some major issues during my tenure, and I know that ETRC will be in safe hands with Frank and the up and coming ‘new guard’”.

The ETRC Managing Board now consists of:

Frank O’Connell, President, ETRC

Erik Juul Mortensen, President, TFWA

Fulvio Fassone, President, ATRI

Jacques Parson, President, BDFA

Francois Bourienne, President, UKTRF

Nigel Keal, Global Commercial Director, Dufry

Inken Callsen, Director Fulfillment, Gebr. Heinemann

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