INTERNATIONAL. Autogrill, the world leader in travel-related food & beverage, has announced the upcoming co-optation of six new Non-Executive Directors – including Dufry Group CEO Xavier Rossinyol – as a result of the forthcoming merger between the two sector giants.
They will take office when the transfer to Dufry of the 50.3% stake in Autogrill held by Edizione through wholly owned subsidiary Schema Beta is completed.
As reported, last July Autogrill and Dufry announced an agreement to join forces and create a new travel retail group that would “redefine travel experience globally”. The transfer of shares is expected to be completed early next month.
Last week, it was announced that Autogrill Chief Executive Officer Gianmario Tondato Da Ruos and five other existing Directors will resign their positions on completion of the transfer.
Dufry leader Rossinyol will be joined in a Non-Executive Director role by five independents – Bruno Chiomento, Francisco Javier Gavilan, Nicolas Girotto, Marella Moretti and Emanuela Trentin.
Paolo Roverato, currently Chairman of Autogrill’s Board of Directors, is set to become Autogrill’s new Chief Executive Officer as indicated by Dufry. His appointment and that of the new Autogrill Chairman will be considered by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held in coming days.
The Board of Directors unanimously expressed their sincere thanks to the resigning Directors for their activity within the Board during the past years. They paid particular tribute to Tondato Da Ruos, who has worked for Autogrill Group since 2000. The Board recognised the crucial role he has played in the growth of the company.
Autogrill noted that Tondato Da Ruos is bound by an 18-month non-competition agreement with the company and other Group entities regarding activities on behalf of other players in concession catering with a turnover of €100 million or more. This agreement covers airports, motorways, stadiums, and railway and port stations for 18 months. 
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