CHINA. In major breaking news, China Duty Free Group (CDFG) today announced via The Moodie Davitt Report the appointment of Charles Chen as President.
Chen, whose new role took effect on 16 December, is one of Asia’s most experienced and respected travel retail executives. He has worked for CDFG since 1987 in various leadership positions, including Director of the Liquor Sales and Marketing departments; Chief Representative of the European Office; President of CDFG Commerce & Trade Co; and Assistant President & Vice President.
He has concurrently served as the General Manager of CDFG Boao Commerce & Trade Co and spearheaded CDFG’s remarkably successful Haitang Bay Project opened in September 2014.
CDFG said: “Throughout his career within CDFG’s merchandising area, Charles Chen has continually exhibited his global skill-set in the international travel retail arena. This proved highly advantageous for his work in launching the Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex [at Haitang Bay] – the world’s largest duty-free shopping mall.”
Chen said: “I have worked for 29 years in the duty free industry. I have been very fortunate to witness the incredible growth of China’s travel retail business as well as its advance in global market terms. CDFG’s development, which ranges from the opening of the first duty free store in China to the launch of the world’s largest duty free shopping mall; and from the operation of 230 stores throughout China to the opening of overseas stores, has caught the world’s attention with its rapid development.
“Now with our global vision, and by leveraging parent company China National Travel Service Group’s resources, we cherish the opportunities and welcome the challenges that lie ahead.”
CDFG said that under Charles Chen’s leadership, and with his rich experience of and insights into the travel retail business, the company will untap its great development potential and “rise to a new horizon”.
Comment: Anyone fortunate enough to have heard Charles Chen speak at the CDFG Vendors’ Conference in Sanya in May 2013 will know just what a determined and passionate individual he is, writes Martin Moodie. At that gathering, he told a gathering of slightly sceptical suppliers that he was pulling forward the extraordinary Haitang Bay project’s opening. He spoke with a combination of zeal and realism, acknowledging the toughness of the challenge but calling on a rare spirit of partnership to deliver it.
As history shows, the opening was a triumph while the commercial success since has almost defied belief. Chen lived, breathed and slept the project. Based on that success, and allied to his experience and combination of internal and external respect, his new appointment is a brilliant move by CDFG, one which clearly signals the group’s growth ambitions – and its increasing internationalism. Fluent in English, Chen is held in great regard by brand partners for his many achievements over a near-30 year career and his network of relationships will serve him and the company well as he seeks to take the Chinese retail giant to the next level.
It’s notable also that Chen’s appointment follows hot on the heels of CDFG naming former Lagardère Travel Retail, Valiram and DFS Group executive CC Lee as Chief Operating Officer.
Both are signs of a company on the move. Expect international expansion to be high on the agenda – possibly starting with a powerful pitch for any or all of the Hong Kong International Airport core category tenders.
Look out for an interview with Charles Chen, coming soon.
