FRANCE. Jaya Singh, Mondelēz World Travel Retail, European Export & Switzerland Managing Director, was today elected President of Tax Free World Association for a one-year term.
He headed off competition from incumbent Alain Maingreaud and Melvin Broekaart, Managing Partner at global airport consultancy Aircommerce.
“It is a great privilege to be elected as TFWA President and I would like to thank all Management Committee members for their support and trust,” said Singh.
“I also thank my predecessor Alain Maingreaud for his important contribution as President over the past two years. As we face the most serious crisis ever to hit our industry, I am determined to work with our Board, Management Committee, staff and partners to ensure we play a central role in the recovery of the duty free & travel retail sector over the year ahead.”
The result will be widely applauded in the industry. As we have written, the Mondelēz World Travel Retail, European Export & Switzerland Managing Director enjoys widespread respect within supplier and retail circles, a standing that made him a powerful candidate for the lead role in a brand association.
As previously noted, he also had strong credentials for a post that demands sector insight, political nous and diplomatic skills.
As a long-time confectionery and travel retail specialist, a former APTRA President (2012-2016), Duty Free World Council board member (2014-2016), and incumbent TFWA Management Committee member, he clearly ticked all those boxes and more in the eyes of the Management Committee voters.
Singh also has excellent knowledge of the key Asia region, having been Mondelēz Region Director Middle East & Asia Pacific for over seven years from 2008. An outstanding orator and a people-centric, engaging character, he brings serious leadership qualities to his new role.
