INTERNATIONAL. With deep sadness, we report the passing of Keith Spinks, long-time Secretary General of European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) and its predecessor International Travel Retail Confederation (ITRC), and a great defender of the industry.
Spinks, who passed earlier this month following a short illness, served as Secretary General of ITRC and then ETRC from 2000 to 2019. Earlier, he played a central role in all major duty-free advocacy campaigns from 1988 onwards.
Spinks later continued to support the association as ETRC Senior Counsel, with particular responsibility for tobacco-related matters, until 2022.
ETRC President Nigel Keal paid warm to tribute, saying: “Keith dedicated 30 of tireless service to the duty-free industry. His vision and commitment have been instrumental in securing its continued growth and sustainability, far beyond his role at ETRC.
“His contribution was truly exceptional, and the industry owes him a great debt of gratitude.”
Former ETRC President (2012-2018) and TFWA President since last December Sarah Branquinho stated: “Keith championed the duty-free and travel retail industry to great effect for decades. Keith, with Frank O‘Connell, John Hume and I, led the campaign to keep intra-EU duty free and having got so many member states onside, felt keenly our defeat by one vote – Denmark.
“His expertise matched his commitment. He loved good food, good wines and [his partner] Maria Rosa, and devoted later years in Spain caring for members of her family afflicted by cancer and other ills. May he rest in peace”.
Another former President of ETRC (2018-2019 and 2004-2012) Frank O’Connell added: “I got to know Keith during 1988 when we were campaigning for the duty-free extension [the initial planned abolition of intra-EU duty free in 1992 – Editor].
“He had the most extraordinary knowledge of the legal basis underpinning excise regimes and by extension the legal justification for our duty-free business. This he used to powerful effect when writing his many superb position papers, marshalling all the argumentation succinctly and with compelling logic.
“Keith your commitment to our industry was unwavering over such a long time, rest in peace now. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam [‘May his soul be on the right hand of God’].”
ETRC Secretary General Julie Lassaigne concluded: “I had the privilege of working with Keith for more than a decade and learned an enormous amount from him.
“His dedication to, and belief in, our industry were remarkable. I will always remember our long and insightful discussions over a glass of wine with great appreciation.”
ETRC extended its sincere condolences to Keith’s family and to his many friends and colleagues across the industry.
The Moodie Davitt Report adds its condolences and expresses its sorrow on the loss of a true travel retail industry stalwart, a fine advocate for and defender of our industry’s interests. Keith was also an endearing character, great social company, and always someone willing to share his considerable knowledge and insights. May he rest in peace. ✈
