Godiva Chocolatier has appointed Matthew Hodges as General Manager Global Travel Retail, effective 28 September.
Hodges replaces the well-regarded Christoph Neusser, who led the division successfully for the past two years. Neusser is leaving Godiva to devote more time to his family and to pursue other opportunities.
Hodges is also a well-known and respected figure in the travel retail sector. He moves from Rémy Cointreau, where he held the role of Global Marketing and Business Development Director Global Travel Retail, based in Singapore.
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Matthew Hodges: “I am passionate about the travel retail channel and excited by the potential of the premium confectionery category” |
He has a broad background in marketing, strategy, commercial and general management, developed in roles of increasing complexity in various businesses, Godiva said. In his new role Hodges will drive the vision and strategy of the Godiva Global Travel Retail business in line with the company’s ambitious growth targets.
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Christoph Neusser: Devoting more time to his family and pursuing other opportunities, of which there should be no shortage |
“I am delighted to have Matthew join Godiva to head our important Global Travel Retail business,” said Godiva CEO Mohamed Elsarky. “Matthew brings significant relevant commercial and strategic experience that will help us in working closely with our customers to grow together. I would like to take this opportunity to offer sincere thanks to Christoph Neusser for his leadership during the last several months.”
“I am thrilled to be joining the Godiva team to work with such an iconic brand,” said Hodges. “I am passionate about the travel retail channel and excited by the potential of the premium confectionery category.”
COMMENT: Prior to joining Rémy Cointreau in February 2009, firstly as European Director, Global Travel Retail, Hodges spent nine years with Diageo, where he was the Strategy Director of the Global Duty Free business. At Diageo and Rémy Cointreau he earned a solid reputation, both internally and with retailers, as an astute strategic thinker, with particularly keen insights on consumer and in-store dynamics.
For his part, Neusser is unlikely to find himself short of opportunities. He has over 17 years of experience in travel retail with Hugo Boss (as International Sales Director), Gebr Heinemann (where he served on the Board as Chief Sales Officer) and as a non-executive director of Inflight Service. He has also worked for Karstadt and Philips Electronics. He has an extensive background in sales (wholesale, franchise, owned retail and e-commerce) and marketing as well as general management and board-level representation. He will be attending The Trinity Forum in Hong Kong next week and can be contacted at cn@neusser-associates.com
