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INTERNATIONAL. The Moodie Report presents the latest in our popular feature series called Never Hide, in which industry interviewees answer quick but revealing questions about their lives and interests inside and outside the industry.
Here we talk to Eugene Barry, Senior Vice President Commercial at Dubai Airports.
How long have you been in the travel retail industry?
Almost 17 years.
What’s your proudest career achievement to date?
It’s hard to single out one, but working on the development of Beirut Duty Free from the ground up in the mid-1990s still stands out; it was an exciting time to be in a lively city under reconstruction.
Who have been the greatest inspirations in your life and career?
In life, my wife Shayron. In my career, Barry Roche (RIP), former General Manager of Aer Rianta at Cork Airport, who gave me my first break; and then John Sutcliffe who put me under his wing for five eventful years at Aer Rianta International.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned in the course of your life?
I’m learning every day.
What qualities do you most admire in people?
Honesty, or a sense of humour.
What is your favourite quote or saying?
“Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan” (John F. Kennedy).
What’s been your best-ever travel or holiday experience?
Last year’s family holiday in California with my wife and three daughters – it involved a 17-hour Emirates flight direct from Dubai to Los Angeles. We started in Disneyland and ended in Las Vegas.
One book, one music album for your desert island – what would they be?
Book: Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schulz; music: The Pogues The Ultimate Collection.
And if you could take one duty free item?
Midleton Very Rare Irish Whiskey, triple distilled.
If you could invite three iconic figures (they can be living or dead) to your ideal dinner party, who would they be?
Roy Keane, Bill Clinton and Chuck Feeney. Or else The Corrs (minus Jim).
