 |
Derek Larsen: Much respected in Australian airport commercial revenues circles |
AUSTRALIA. Derek Larsen has stepped down as CEO of The Nuance Group Australia with immediate effect.
Larsen announced his surprise decision in Australia today, which was later confirmed in a statement by The Nuance Group, which said: “With regrets, Nuance announces that Derek Larsen, CEO Nuance Australia, as of today has decided to terminate his contract with the company for personal reasons.”
Nuance Australia Commercial & Financial Director Philippe Boyer has taken over the position of Nuance Australia CEO on an interim basis.
The Nuance Group President & CEO Roberto Graziani commented: “In the current challenging environment in Australia, Derek’s decision is certainly not simplifying our tasks. However, we need to move quickly to the next step to maintain the focus on the objective to secure a long-term, sustainable future to our business in this country. To achieve that, I am counting on the commitment and professionalism of all our local people.
“I take this opportunity to thank Derek for his commitment during his tenure in Nuance, and Philippe for his continuous support to the Group.”
COMMENT: Derek Larsen has been a highly influential and respected voice in Australian airport commercial revenues circles for some years and his departure is a loss for the industry as well as Nuance.
He joined Nuance in September 2011 after a successful stint as General Manager, Retail at Sydney Airport Corporation, where he drove the introduction of the extensive commercial offer at the airport’s extensively revamped international terminal.
Prior to joining Sydney Airport he had over 16 years experience in various aspects of retail, commercial and residential property in Australia and Asia.
He was praised by a retailing peer today as “a straight shooter, great at relationship building” and one
who had fought very hard on behalf of the industry as well as his own company. That was particularly the case with the unsuccessful rearguard action to try to dissuade the government from introducing drastically slashed duty free tobacco allowances earlier this year.
Larsen will likely take some time off before embarking on the next stage of a highly successful career.
[houseAd5]
