Diageo Global Travel will host an insightful panel discussion at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference titled ‘The Future of Travel Retail: Adapting to Volatility and Consumer Change’. It will take place on Tuesday 30 September at 8am in the beachfront restaurant, Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes.
The panel, chaired by Diageo Global Travel Managing Director Andrew Cowan, will bring together leading voices from across the industry to explore how travel retail can navigate geopolitical uncertainty, changing consumer behaviours and digital disruption. The discussion will examine how brands and retailers can adapt to deliver memorable experiences, embrace innovation and ensure long-term resilience in an era of volatility.
The panel comprises Lindt & Sprüngli Head of Global Travel Retail Peter Zehnder; Avolta Chief Commercial & Digital Officer Vijay Talwar; European Travel Retail Confederation Secretary General Julie Lassaigne; and The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan.
Andrew Cowan oversees the strategic direction of Diageo’s travel retail operations across airports, cruise and border stores. Since joining the company in 2008, he has held senior leadership positions in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Africa.
With over 20 years of FMCG experience, Cowan’s knowledge straddles corporate leadership, strategy development and operational management as well as sales and marketing.
Since joining The Moodie Davitt Report in 2019 Hannah Tan has taken a leading role in shaping the title’s brand coverage, including its acclaimed Spotlight Series.
A specialist in digital media and storytelling, she is well-versed on travel retail brand strategy, activations and experiential marketing. Her editorial work has also appeared in international lifestyle titles, including Condé Nast Traveller, Glamour UK and House & Garden.
Peter Zehnder has led Lindt & Sprüngli’s Global Travel Retail business for more than a decade, strengthening its position as a leading premium confectionery brand in duty free. He is widely respected for driving shopper-focused strategies and innovation and serves as a member of the TFWA Management Committee.
With over 25 years of experience in global retail, consumer and digital sectors, Vijay Talwar oversees commercial, digital, marketing, commercial, procurement, store design and supply chain functions in his role as Chief Commercial & Digital Officer at Avolta.
He previously held leadership positions at Foot Locker, Blue Nile and Nike, with a strong track record of driving multi-channel growth and digital transformation.
Julie Lassaigne has been Secretary General of the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) since 2019, representing the sector’s interests to stakeholders and members. She joined ETRC in 2013 after a career in Brussels public affairs and has since led on key policy issues from product information and alcohol regulation to passenger rights.
Her contribution to the channel has been recognised with the Frontier Award for Outstanding Contribution (2022) and inclusion in The Moodie Davitt Report’s People of the Year (2024).
At the Cannes show, Diageo is unveiling The Departure Lounge; a new exhibition concept that reimagines how spirits are sold and experienced in travel retail. The Departure Lounge aims to offer retailers and partners an insight into the company’s latest strategies to increase footfall, drive conversion and elevate the travel retail experience. ✈
