INTERNATIONAL. Welcome to the fifth edition of the Travel Retail Superstars Awards.
The awards celebrate the dedication of our global business community’s too-often unsung frontline heroes and those working behind the scenes.
The Travel Retail Superstars Awards spotlight employee achievements, attitude, and above and beyond the call of duty approaches across our industry. The winners represent a triumphant showcasing of the human spirit and an emphatic underlining of how it is people who most make companies.
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman and Creator of The Travel Retail Superstars Martin Moodie said: “One cannot but be humbled in reading all the nominations, let alone choosing the winners, for the Travel Retail Superstars Awards. Humbled on multiple levels, in fact. By the people stories and their innate sense of human kindness, commitment and excellence that pervades this unique set of industry accolades. By the time and effort their employers put into championing their team members. And by the fact that in our often dark and troubled world, such human qualities bring light.”
Here are the categories and results for 2025.
The Travel Retail Superstars Awards 2025 categories
Star Individual – This award recognises those who everyone loves to work alongside and encounter in the workplace. Those individuals who always show up not only for work and for others; who strive to walk the extra mile; who display integrity and passion like a badge of pride; and who always but always communicate with sincerity, friendliness and conviction.
Star Team – An award that celebrates those teams who have pulled together, working seamlessly, enthusiastically and effectively, while inspiring each other and those around them. It recognises teams which have gone way, way above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference and to get the job done to the highest standard.
Innovation: Team or Individual – This award is for those who have provided a difference to the business through offering innovative ideas that have been adopted (especially company-wide), and have led to increased efficiency, improvements, profitability or enhanced customer service.
Humanity, Leadership & Inspiration: Team or Individual – An award that celebrates those who have shown that leadership is an action not simply a position, and who encourage good citizenship through compassion, empathy and responsibility.
Women in Travel Retail Superstars – A new award that honours a female professional in travel retail who has made a transformative impact underpinned by deeply human vales.
* In select cases there are awards across regions: Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East & Africa.
And the winners are…
Star Individual Award Europe – Back Office
Winner: Michelle Hughes, Commercial Counsel, ARI/DAA
Why she was nominated: A detail-packed entry which underlines the immense respect in which Michelle is held by ARI and DAA. The comments speak to consummate leadership skills married to a can-do attitude and acute commercial savvy.
Another example of the ‘power of quiet’ in an organisation, Michelle’s rare fusion of collaborative empathy, strict focus on legal compliance and commercial agility, has made her a crucial asset to the organisation.
Judges’ comments summarised: Here, clearly, is an individual who takes ownership of everything she does, never settling for anything other than exceptional. This is particularly important in the multiple initiatives she has led across the critical area of tenders and their implicit complexity.
Flexibility of approach is, demonstrably, both a personal trait and a corporate asset. Her human skills and integrity, emphasised repeatedly in the nomination, mark her as a richly deserved winner in this category.
Star Individual Award Europe – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Bojan Bajceta, Retail Manager, Marella Discovery 2
Why he was nominated: Bojan delivered an outstanding summer season onboard Marella Discovery 2, blending commercial excellence with inspirational leadership.
He achieved 24 out of 26 budgets, closing the season 22% above target while consistently exceeding customer service scores above 8.8.
Beyond the numbers, he personally developed two Trainee Assistant Managers, introduced new operational tools and fostered a motivated, high-performing team culture recognised by both ship management and Head Office.
His commercial insights, people-first approach and commitment to developing future leaders make him an exemplary ambassador for Harding+.
Judges’ comments summarised: Bojan clearly dedicates his time to the shop floor, engaging with customers and setting a standard that elevates service across the team. His story is a strong blend of service, sales and a people-first attitude, reflected in his team ethic and support for colleagues.
Achieving budgets while maintaining outstanding service scores is a notable accomplishment, and Harding+ rightly recognises his personal contribution to strengthening the partnership between the company and the ship.
Highly commended: Janice Ferguson, Bacardi Retail Ambassador, Edinburgh Airport
Why she was nominated: With nearly ten years of service, Janice is regarded as embodying the core strengths of the Retail Advocacy team – combining deep product knowledge with genuine passion, initiative and a consistently positive, can-do approach. She ranks among the highest-volume sellers nationwide and has delivered exceptional commercial results, including the second-best return on investment measure in Europe and strong growth at Edinburgh Airport.
Beyond sales performance, she mentors new team members, adapts readily to operational demands and has stepped into leadership roles during Bacardi activations, demonstrating effective stakeholder management and accountability. Together, these qualities position her as a standout performer in her field.
Judges’ comments summarised: Janice is clearly excelling as a Retail Ambassador, achieving impressive sales in the highly competitive EDI environment. She demonstrates strong stakeholder engagement, flexibility in supporting the team, and has played a key role in the success of Bacardi’s in-store activations.
A true brand ambassador in every way, delivering outstanding results in Europe against some of the world’s largest airports – a clear reflection of exceptional skill and dedication.
Star Individual Award Middle East & Africa – Back Office
Winner: Abdulaziz Al-Alasaker, Chief Commercial Officer, King Khalid International Airport
Why he was nominated: As Chief Commercial Officer, Abdulaziz Al-Asaker has led the most comprehensive commercial transformation in the history of the Riyadh gateway with class and commitment.
That transformation has delivered a step change offer both for the travelling consumer and in terms of airport company Riyadh Airports’ revenues performance and expectations.
Crucially, Alasker helped to established the vision for a new retail and dining experience, which stands today as an integrated, world-class programme, a vivid exemplifying the Kingdom’s unswervingly profound sense of mission.
Judges’ comments summarised: Abdulaziz stands out for this award in his leadership of a complex set of projects, showing clarity, discipline and coordination across departments in its delivery. And the commercials stand up well too, with sales growth of +44%, transaction growth at +46% plus ASQ score increases across key metrics.
Star Individual Award Middle East & Africa – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Denzil Gomes, Dubai Duty Free Customer Service Assistant, Dubai International Airport
Why he was nominated: Since joining Dubai Duty Free’s Customer Service Department in 2022, Denzil has consistently delivered outstanding service through both operational leadership and genuine customer care. He has refined feedback processes, streamlined operations and enhanced data security, while establishing meaningful connections with customers.
His heartfelt interactions have earned multiple customer commendations, including one instance where a traveller was so moved by his generosity that Denzil simply asked them to “help someone in need” in return.
A recipient of the Government’s ICD Happiness Club Award, Denzil continues to inspire colleagues and elevate the customer experience through both his actions and his example.
Judges’ comments summarised: Denzil stood out as an exceptional all-rounder whose compassion and integrity shine through every interaction.
His practice of turning down tips and encouraging donations to those in need, combined with his proactive approach to improving processes and efficiencies, reflects a genuine commitment to customer experience.
Highly commended: Girlie Tellor, Sales Assistant, Dubai Duty Free
Why she was nominated: Girlie’s 14-year career at Dubai Duty Free made her “shine above the rest”, with her continued dedication and excellence in customer service. Since joining in 2011, she has built strong expertise as a Jo Malone London Beauty Stylist, driving brand visibility and sales through deep product knowledge and a customer-first approach.
Her record includes multiple Employee of the Month awards, the Jo Malone Stylist Award in Barcelona, an Exceptional ‘Gotcha Star’ Individual Award, three consecutive Gotcha Team Star Awards and 15 passenger commendations within 15 months, all reflecting both commercial impact and service excellence.
Beyond these milestones, she consistently demonstrates professionalism, humility and commitment to both customers and colleagues.
Judges’ comments summarised: Girlie has dedicated her career to championing an exceptional retail brand, and being selected from among numerous Brand Ambassadors across the EMEA region reflects the strength of her performance in a highly competitive field. She has consistently committed herself to elevating the passenger experience through attentive service and genuine engagement.
As a dedicated and enthusiastic team member, she also supports colleagues by highlighting link-selling and upselling opportunities. A job very well done.
Highly commended: Rosel Balagtad Bagasbas, Be Relax, Doha Hamad International Airport
Why she was nominated: Rosel sets a benchmark for service and professionalism at Be Relax Spa. Between August 2024 and July 2025, she became the company’s most reviewed therapist worldwide, earning 153 verified five-star customer reviews.
Her expertise goes beyond technique, combining exceptional massage skills with genuine hospitality, turning layovers into memorable, rejuvenating experiences. Through complimentary services, product guidance and upselling, she consistently enhances the guest journey. Rosel’s dedication, warmth and impact exemplify the brand’s values of care and excellence.
Judges’ comments summarised: Rosel has impressive abilities, reflected in the volume of positive feedback and five-star recognition she has received. Her hard work and dedication to travelling passengers must make them feel truly amazing. With excellent service, strong sales skills and technical mastery as a masseuse, Rosel is a superstar.
Star Individual Award Asia Pacific – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Joint Winner: Lisa Braun, Discover Singapore (Lagardère Travel Retail) Supervisor, Changi Airport
Why she was nominated: Lisa is recognised for her exceptional 11-year record of service excellence, underscored by multiple EXSA and CAG Extra Mile Awards, and a recent act of remarkable compassion.
The following example is typical of how she approaches her role and people.
When a distressed traveller lost his essential documents and struggled to cope alone, Lisa stepped in, calming him, helping retrace his steps, personally accompanying him to recover his belongings, and ensuring he rested safely before his next flight.
Her support not only resolved the issue but also left the customer deeply grateful and inspired her colleagues.
Judges’ comments summarised: Lisa, a dedicated person who along with her long-standing service, clearly has the customer at the heart of what she does – helping a passenger in a situation of clear distress and challenge. Well done for finding a solution and helping him in his hour of need.
Her commitment has made her a highly valued member of the airport team, and no doubt many more passengers will benefit from her care in the future.
Joint Winner: Pi Huang Chang, EVERRICH Duty Free Sales Supervisor, Taoyuan International Airport
Why she was nominated: “Proving that compassion and professionalism can coexist under pressure,” Chang embodies service that blends compassion with professionalism.
Here is a case study so typical of Chang’s humanity and approach to her role.
When an anxious Indonesian traveller was finally reunited visually with his wife through a glass wall after years apart, she acted quickly and decisively, reading emotional cues, navigating airport constraints, and ensuring he didn’t miss his flight. Her actions created a memorable moment and strengthened customer loyalty, highlighting the human side of operational leadership.
Judges’ comments summarised: Chang’s story is outstanding, deeply moving and reflects the profound emotions that can unfold in airports when passengers are reunited under extraordinary circumstances.
It exemplifies going above and beyond to a remarkable level. The nomination highlights not only the service standards but also the vital role Travel Retail Superstars play in shaping passengers’ experiences.
It’s inspiring that the passengers left with lasting positive impressions – not just of EVERRICH or the airport, but of the hospitality of Taiwan and its people.
Highly commended: Ivy Wan, Make Up For Ever Colour Stylist at The Shilla Duty Free, Singapore Changi Airport
Why she was nominated: Ivy’s ten-year career as a Colour Stylist with Make Up For Ever at The Shilla Duty Free showcases her artistry, dedication and outstanding customer service. In the past year alone, she won four TR APAC competition awards.
At The Shilla Duty Free in Changi Airport, she exceeds sales targets through personalised service, earning positive customer feedback.
She also inspires and elevates Beauty Advisors across the region through coaching in selling and artistry.
Judges’ comments summarised: Ivy clearly blends her expertise in makeup with strong sales and service skills, delivering personalised experiences and modelling best practices – making her a standout for the brand.
As an exceptional Brand Ambassador, she consistently delights customers, earning glowing feedback and leaving them feeling amazing. Well done, Ivy!
Star Individual Award Americas – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Dimitar Kjosevski, Harding+ Liquor Specialist, Carnival Cruise Line Vista
Why he was nominated: Dimitar brings impressive product knowledge and genuine warmth to every guest interaction, transforming education into memorable experiences that drive sales and loyalty.
He tells compelling stories that help guests make confident purchasing decisions, driving consistent sales across premium and accessible products.
As a natural mentor selected to train other specialists, his impact extends far beyond his own ship. His organised approach, standout event hosting and consistently strong performance across multiple ships make him a true leader in the liquor category.
Judges’ comments summarised: An outstanding entry, showcasing Dimitar as a true all-rounder in his role as a liquor specialist. He not only demonstrates exceptional product knowledge but also shares insights on customer behaviour, body language and buying signals – skills that many retailers could emulate.
He operates with remarkable passion, enthusiasm and energy, consistently elevating the customer experience. Well done, Dimi, and keep up the amazing work.
Highly commended: Peter Globocnik, Retail Manager, Carnival Cruise Line Conquest (Harding+)
Why he was nominated: Peter is one of the most promising Retail Managers in the Carnival fleet, delivering exceptional results through disciplined leadership and commitment to excellence.
After strong performance on Carnival Paradise, he joined Carnival Conquest, driving record outcomes, including a peak PPD +27% above monthly average.
Known for his shop-floor presence, calm leadership and focus on team development, Peter builds trust, sets best practices and ensures seamless operations. His ambition, integrity and consistent high performance mark him as a rising star in the fleet.
Judges’ comments summarised: Peter is a dedicated Manager, bringing passion, energy and a rising-star potential to retail management. His ability to motivate and empower his team is remarkable, fostering a positive, high-performing environment.
Beyond the shop floor, he proactively engages with stakeholders across the cruise ship ecosystem, demonstrating initiative and leadership that extend well beyond his role.
Star Individual Award Americas – Back Office
Winner: Katherine Sullivan, Head of Marketing, ARI North America
Why she was nominated: Katherine is the driving force behind ARI North America’s marketing success.
As Head of Marketing, she leads with integrity, creativity and passion, notably delivering +15% brand engagement growth, +10% sales uplift, and a record-breaking loyalty programme launch.
Beyond results, she mentors emerging talent, fosters cross-functional collaboration and creates a culture where people thrive.
Judges’ comments summarised: A fantastic entry showcasing a brilliant blend of strategic leadership and hands-on approach. Katherine is a true ambassador for ARI who has clearly impacted the entire region, taking it to new heights with tangible results.
What gave her the edge was the focus on data-driven decision-making, fundamental to delivering against what the data reveals.
The numbers provided illustrated her impact on sales, engagement and loyalty programme adoption.
Highly commended: Gemma Mollins, Harding+, District Manager, Americas
Why she was nominated: Gemma’s leadership as District Manager for the Alaska region demonstrates strategic clarity and commitment to her team during a challenging season. This year, she mentored two Assistant Managers into Retail Manager roles, balanced commercial performance across multiple ships and maintained high morale, setting a benchmark for district-level leadership.
Judges’ comments summarised: Gemma is clearly a capable and confident leader, committed to delivering positive retail results and driving success across the Alaska region. It is encouraging to see the region growing and improving under her guidance.
What stands out most is the tangible impact she has had on others, as well as her consistency in aligning the entire region with Harding’s overarching strategy, and her strong communication skills that bring everyone along on the journey.
Star Team Europe – Back Office
Winner: Portugal Duty Free Marketing Team
Why they were nominated: The Portugal Duty Free joint venture between Vinci Airports/ANA Aeroportos de Portugal and ARI, has already garnered huge acclaim for its store executions across the Portuguese airport estate – and the profile it has achieved is also down to the marketing team’s strong programme of activity through 2024 and 2025.
These range from the official launch event for stores in March 2025 to seasonal campaigns (across physical and digital platforms) to powerful internal marketing to take its own teams on the journey.
Judges’ comments summarised: Creativity, innovation and a collaborative spirit are the watchwords for the Portugal Duty Free marketing department amid a landmark year of memorable launches and positive impact for partners and for travellers.
Star Team Europe – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Montenegro Duty Free Team, Tivat Airport
Why they were nominated: The Montenegro Duty Free Team at Tivat Airport showcased exceptional teamwork, dedication and results. They managed a surge in passengers, opened a new Terminal 2 store while keeping Terminal 1 fully operational, and drove sales up +60% in July – all while maintaining high customer satisfaction.
Their supportive culture has fostered talent, promoted colleague growth and strengthened morale, and they have also contributed to local communities through charitable initiatives. Their professionalism, camaraderie and commitment make them “an absolute joy to have working in the Montenegro Duty Free family”.
Judges’ comments summarised: The team demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining high performance under sustained pressure. Their efforts clearly had a positive impact on staff, improving retention and morale, while driving sustained improvements in customer service levels.
Working exceptionally hard during an extraordinarily busy period, they delivered excellent sales results, yet keeping service scores consistently high is particularly commendable.
Highly commended: ‘Koningsdag’ team, Düsseldorf Airport
Why they were nominated: The interdisciplinary ‘Koningsdag’ team has been notable for their creativity, collaboration and execution in transforming the passenger experience at Düsseldorf Airport for the Dutch national holiday on 26 April 2025.
Bringing together around 20 colleagues from Airfield Lighting, Infrastructure, Communications and Commercial Management, the group rebranded the terminal as ‘Luchthaven Düsseldorf’, complete with orange décor, Dutch-language announcements, selfie installations and a flower field created with a long-standing vendor partner.
The initiative extended beyond a single activation, mobilising retail partners across the airport to participate. Düsseldorf Duty Free by Gebr. Heinemann and other outlets incorporated Dutch-themed assortments, creating an immersive environment.
The strong commercial and stakeholder response has led partners to integrate the concept into future marketing plans, setting a new internal benchmark for cross-functional collaboration and customer engagement.
Judges’ comments summarised: The team stood out for bringing the airport community together to create a sense of surprise and delight, setting a new benchmark for how activations and airport events can be far reaching in the future.
It was a distinctive initiative that moved beyond standard promotion to make the passenger journey memorable and experiential. The energy, commitment and shared ownership demonstrated by the team were evident throughout the execution. Well done to all involved.
Star Team Middle East & Africa – Back Office
Winner: Dubai Duty Free Display Department, Dubai International Airport
Why they were nominated: The diverse talents of the 32-person Display Team at Dubai Duty Free shine out in this wide-ranging entry. The department’s influence spans all terminals, showcase spaces and seasons at the world’s number one international airport, with each offering a different story of culture and creativity.
Judges’ comments summarised: A programme of transformation and innovation since 2024 – one that now integrates the physical and digital much more seamlessly – has elevated the look, feel and style of many campaigns.
Collaboration with other departments and fast project turnaround times are other hallmarks of this creative, culturally diverse group of talents.
Star Team Middle East & Africa – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Dubai Duty Free Webshop Team, Dubai International Airport
Why they were nominated: Collaboration, efficiency and dedication to the job is a hallmark of the Dubai Duty Free Webshop team’s digital retail specialism, as this entry underlined.
Managing a 12-hour window from order acknowledgment to delivery at the world’s busiest international airport is no easy task, amid the complexity of flight-tracking, logistics and guaranteeing timely handovers. Key achievements in the nomination period include reduced order processing times, an increase in repeat customers plus fast crisis response if gates or flight timings change.
Judges’ comments summarised: A proactive approach to communication across multiple departments ensures travellers receive the right product at the right time, with a back-of-house operation that is speedy, accurate and seamless.
Star Team Americas – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Harding+ Princess Watch Specialist Team
Why they were nominated: A team that is lauded for its role in transforming the practice of luxury retailing at sea. The comments underline how this Harding+ team has refined its craft over the past four years onboard Princess Cruises with a focus on collaboration and continuous learning, and on teamwork and delivering a memorable guest experience.
This they have delivered through a combination of monthly seminar videos, sales insights, best practice and peer coaching to strengthen product knowledge, brand storytelling and guest engagement.
Judges’ comments summarised: The hugely impressive brand and category commercial metrics provided within the entry back up the detailed work of this team across the luxury programme.
Notably, the team closed the period with a double-digit percentage uplift versus the previous year, underlining a relentless striving for excellence while driving commercial growth.
Star Team Asia Pacific – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: EVERRICH Duty Free Customer Service Team, Taoyuan International Airport
Why they were nominated: The EVERRICH Duty Free Customer Service Team at Taoyuan Airport has been distinguished for turning everyday encounters into meaningful human connections that reflect Taiwan’s warmth and hospitality.
Across terminals 1 and 2, the team consistently goes beyond transactional service, from offering complimentary gift wrapping for last-minute presents, mending torn clothing, repairing damaged footwear (averaging ten pairs monthly) to providing first-aid and reuniting travellers with lost belongings.
Their empathy, initiative and creative problem-solving under pressure have turned countless airport moments into memorable experiences that travellers share globally, strengthening Taiwan’s international image and embodying EVERRICH’s mission of ‘marketing Taiwan to the world’ through authentic care rather than slogans.
Judges’ comments summarised: The EVERRICH Duty Free Team has truly nailed human empathy and understanding alongside the ‘going above and beyond’ ethos. The team recognises their role as ambassadors for the island, airport, duty-free shop and brand. Their repair statistics are impressive, as is their support for lost property, medical situations and much more.
This is an exceptional team who demonstrates human-centred customer experience and the importance of impacting the passenger journey in meaningful ways.
Highly commended: Singapore Duty Free Shop Floor Team, Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore
Why they were nominated: The Singapore Duty Free (Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore) team has been recognised for its exceptional teamwork, resilience and professionalism during a high-pressure overnight store takeover at the Singapore Cruise Centre on 1 July 2025.
Within a 12-hour window, the team assumed operations from the previous incumbent, installed two retail spaces and prepared for trading the following morning. Employees worked beyond defined responsibilities, collectively resolving logistical and system challenges to meet the deadline.
In addition to the physical demands of the setup, the team demonstrated remarkable agility by mastering an entirely new operating system within hours, enabling immediate sales capability from day one.
The result was zero operational downtime, full merchandising readiness and strong endorsement from both leadership and partners.
Judges’ comments summarised: This is a truly dedicated and passionate group who consistently pull out all the stops to make things happen.
Their ability to safeguard the customer experience with a seamless transfer, while working tirelessly behind the scenes, is a testament to their hard work and effort.
Without this team, the flawless execution and successful changeover would not have been possible. Their performance serves as a pinnacle story, highlighting what makes this exceptional team so remarkable.
Humanity, Leadership & Inspiration – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Lil Ralevski, Bacardi Retail Ambassador, Sydney Airport
Why she was nominated: Brand Ambassador is an important but often unsung role in travel retail. Lil’s qualities, however, deserve to be sung from the airport rooftops.
One of Bacardi’s top in-store performers, it’s clear her success is based on an almost intuitive customer-centricity.
Judges’ comments summarised: Lil is clearly a master motivator both with teammates and customers. Words such as compassion and mentorship speak to her very human qualities.
As the nomination notes, colleagues constantly look to Lil for guidance, inspiration and motivation.
Humanity, Leadership & Inspiration – Back Office
Winner: Ivana Vavic Milic, HR Manager, Montenegro Duty Free
Why she was nominated: Ivana triumphantly fulfils all the required qualities of humanity, leadership and inspiration. In terms of humanity, look no further than her relentless, passionate commitment to nurturing her colleagues’ wellbeing and development.
Leadership? Unquestionably, as one can see from the multiple innovations she has masterminded and executed and the respect she commands from colleagues. Inspiration? Totally.
For her humility, her ideation, her creativity, her shaping of company identity and pride, and for so much more. Bravo, Ivana.
Judges’ comments summarised: Ivana has shown immense human qualities since assuming the role of HR Manager.
Her compassion shines like a beacon in this outstanding nomination while her quiet leadership qualities have proved transformative for morale, sense of identity and commercial performance.
Innovation Europe – Shop Floor, Customer Facing
Winner: Jean Claude Valério, Brand Ambassador for Tom Ford (The Estée Lauder Companies), Portugal Duty Free, Lisbon Airport
Why he was nominated: One line stands out from all others in this excellent nomination of a clearly outstanding individual.
It reads: “He is a shining example of how, on the shop floor, we can be so much more than sales professionals – we can be ambassadors of emotion, experience and inspiration.”
What a beautiful articulation of the pivotal role a great Brand Ambassador can play in turning airport retail into an integrally enjoyable component of the travel journey.
Judges’ comments summarised: The entry speaks of an ebullient, passionate individual – “always ready to be the face of joy” – with complementary soft skills of empathy and dedication.
Positivity personified, Jean Claude is a role model for our industry.
Innovation Europe – Back Office
Winner: Christopher Dunham-Haigh, General Manager, Montenegro Duty Free
Why he was nominated: A powerful nomination that speaks of Christopher’s “revolutionising” of Montenegro Duty Free through his transformative leadership style and ideation initiatives. He is the first business leader in Montenegro – and in ARI globally – to implement RFID in product processing and goods flow.
As the entry notes, this advancement represents a complete reimagining of how retail logistics can function, delivering unprecedented visibility, speed, accuracy and efficiency.
“By championing RFID, Christopher is not simply innovating; he is revolutionising the way duty-free retail can operate and establishing a model for other markets to follow,” the nomination observes.
Judges’ comments summarised: Wow, what a powerful testimony to a leader and innovator this nomination represents. From logistics breakthroughs to people and talent initiatives, Christopher has not only inspired but also driven hugely impressive growth (+49% in revenue over his two years), culminating in Montenegro Duty Free receiving the Golden Gazelle Award for the fastest-growing company in Montenegro.
Another example of his innovative and creative vision came when Montenegro Duty Free became the first company in the country to launch its own corporate podcast – an initiative he led from concept to production. What an encapsulation of ARI’s unrivalled pioneering spirit.
Innovation Middle East & Africa – Shop Floor, Customer-facing
Winner: Dubai Duty Free Display Department
Why they were nominated: A great example of a whole team not only rising to a challenge but exceeding expectations. Dubai Duty Free’s Display Department was tasked with introducing a new fixture concept that would “completely reimagine” the visual look within the retailer’s stores.
As an outstandingly thorough nomination reveals, the team triumphed in meeting management demands to move beyond the conventional. This is a classic case study of retail transformation through collective brainstorming, ideation, partnerships and ultimate execution.
Judges’ comments summarised: A comprehensive entry, packed with detail and offering a fascinating narrative of profound transformation – the most ambitious roll-out plan the Display Department has envisioned and executed. This bold and transformative project not only represented a step change for Dubai Duty Free but also offered a triumphant showcase for collaborative in-house talent.
Woman in Travel Retail Superstar 2025
Winner: Paula Pryor, Portugal Duty Free Global Learning and Development Manager
Why she was nominated: Paula has been recognised for transforming learning and development across Portugal Duty Free’s eight airport locations, positively impacting more than 650 retail colleagues.
As Global Learning and Development Manager and Chief Joy Ambassador, she introduced a comprehensive 28-day onboarding programme that accelerated new hire confidence and capability during critical seasonal peaks.
She leads a voluntary team of over 20 training partners, building a dynamic culture of knowledge-sharing and motivation. Her initiatives have reduced attrition, strengthened team cohesion and driven growth in key retail metrics.
Judges’ comments summarised: Paula exemplifies how women’s leadership can be both transformative and indispensable. She has fostered a culture where people feel valued, empowered and inspired, highlighting that meaningful investment in human connection drives measurable results.
Her influence extends beyond her title, shaping not only how people perform, but how they support and uplift one another – a true mark of an industry leader.
Congratulations to all our winners.
A panel of distinguished industry leaders judged this year’s Travel Retail Superstars
- Ethos Farm Group of Companies Founder and CEO Sally Alington
- Recruit GTR Founder Jilly Brocklebank
- Spark Group Founder and President Heidi Van Roon
- The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie ✈
