AMERICAS. The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) has elected Dufry’s René Riedi as its new Chairman, effective 1 July for a two-year term. Also elected were Neutral’s Enrique Urioste as Chair-Elect and Mark Sullivan from DFS North America as Treasurer.
The vote by the regional travel retail association’s board of directors took place at a recent meeting in Miami. Riedi replaces Erasmo Orillac of Motta Internacional, who served as Chairman for three years. Orillac remains on the board.
As CEO of travel retailer Dufry Group’s Central and South America division since 2016, Riedi is well acquainted with the region. Between 2012 and 2015 he was Chief Operating Officer for Dufry’s Region America I, giving him more than seven year experience in the Americas in total.
Prior to his transfer to the US in 2012, Riedi had been Dufry’s Chief Operating Officer Eurasia with executive responsibilities for all retail activities in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, CIS and Asia Pacific.
“An exciting time… for the Americas region in particular”
Riedi, who holds a degree in Business Administration from the School of Economy and Business Administration Zürich, said: “I am looking forward to serving in the role as Chairman of IAADFS. This is an exciting time for the industry overall and for the Americas region in particular, with so much potential for expanded growth and associated infrastructure development.
“IAADFS will continue to play a pivotal role in protecting and serving the duty free and travel retail industry. Our sincere thanks go to Erasmo for doing such an excellent job as Chair – for devoting so much time and energy to the association, and for providing the leadership to move the organisation forward.”
Commenting on Riedi’s election, President and CEO of IAADFS, Michael Payne, said: “We are fortunate to have René serve as Chair. He brings considerable expertise and knowledge of the industry to the role and will lead IAADFS during a time of change and continued challenges but also huge opportunity.”
IAADFS represents the interests of the Americas and Caribbean duty free and travel industry with more than 300 member companies.
