LEBANON. Experienced and highly regarded travel retail executive Gerry Crawford (right) is to return to the industry as Beirut Duty Free Managing Director in coming weeks.
He left Aer Rianta International (ARI) after a 31-year career in December 2020 before taking a role outside the sector the following year (see below).
PAC Duty Free SAL – formerly Phoenicia Aer Rianta Company – began its new contract at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport at the start of May.
Long-time managing partner ARI Middle East is no longer involved in the management of the business alongside Phoenicia Group but retains its minority shareholding in PAC Duty Free.
As a result, Beirut Duty Free General Manager Adrian Bradshaw is leaving at the end of August to rejoin ARI Middle East in Bahrain.
PAC Duty Free hailed Bradshaw’s “contributions, utmost dedication and exceptional professionalism” which it said contributed to the success of the company in recent years. PAC wished Bradshaw “the best of success in the future”.
His responsibilities will be taken on by Crawford, whose leadership PAC Duty Free said “will contribute significantly to our continued growth and success”.
With a career spanning over three decades, Crawford has held senior travel retail management positions with ARI in Europe, the Middle East and the Levant. He was ARI Global Chief Operating Officer and Chief Business Development Officer until his departure from the Irish state-owned travel retailer in late 2020. He later moved to a senior role outside the industry, as Commercial Director at leading university Trinity College Dublin.
PAC Duty Free highlighted Crawford’s experience in airport commercial operations, and his previous position as General Manager of Beirut Duty Free from 2000 to 2004, as factors that will benefit its growth.
“He is familiar with the PAC Duty Free team as well as the country itself, and has assisted in the success of the operation in the past,” the company said.
Pheonicia Group CEO Walid Saleh said: “We are delighted that Gerry has decided to return to the travel retail sector and join our team in Lebanon. His extensive knowledge, strategic vision, and dynamic leadership style align perfectly with PAC Duty Free’s company values and goals.
“As we embark on a critically important phase of development, Gerry’s insights and experience will be instrumental in shaping the future of Beirut Duty Free. We look forward to the positive contributions and the growth opportunities that lie ahead under his capable guidance.”
Crawford will be among the Beirut Duty Free representatives at TFWA World Exhibition in October. ✈
