UAE. Dubai-based travel retailer and distributor Intercontinental Duty Free Group (IDFG) has named Ron Oldenburg as its new Global Director – Diplomatic, Military & Duty Free.
Oldenburg is well known in travel retail from his ten years at Heineken and 11 years (until September 2020) with Emirates Group-owned Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI), during nine of which he was Head of Sales – International Wholesale, UAE Northern Emirates, Diplomatic, Duty Free Dubai Ports.
IDFG said: “Diplomatic always has and always will remain an entirely unique channel with its own business culture and we know of no better person than Ron to navigate its distinctive, sensitive and unique waters. IDFG has a well-established name within the duty free and travel retail channels. Ron will complement and help to accelerate the growth in this channel with his knowledge, experience and connections.
“We are excited to see what the diplomatic future holds for us at IDFG, by investing and committing ourselves and placing our trust in Ron to grow our business and to be the partner of choice in this channel. Intercontinental Duty-Free Group (IDFG) have acquired a strong position in the market focusing on quality, innovative business expansion and strong customer service.”
Founded in 2017, IDFG said it has turnover of around US$100 million a year. It services duty paid and duty free markets, with distribution across the major categories of liquor & tobacco, fragrances & cosmetics, food and healthcare. It has offices in Dubai, Netherlands, Iraq and Sierra Leone and focuses its activities heavily in Africa, the Middle East and Indian sub-continent.
