Well known, highly respected travel retail industry figure James Prescott (right) has launched his own company, Prescott Advisory, through which he aims to work with leadership teams and boards across the sector through advisory work and strategic projects.
He announced the move on LinkedIn on the eve of TFWA World Exhibition, as he marks 35 years in the industry.
Separately, Prescott has become a partner in L. Connaughton & Sons, a family-run wholesale and supply business that serves the shipping and aviation sectors in Ireland.
Prescott was previously Operating Partner at Duty Free Americas and before that CEO at cruise retailer Harding+. His career also encompasses senior posts at with ARI Middle East, BAA/World Duty Free and Whyte & Mackay.
In his LinkedIn post, Prescott said, “I have written before about the optimism Cannes creates, and I feel it more than ever this year. Throughout my career, I’ve worked within businesses owned by other people, which has been enormously rewarding, full of incredible people and real opportunities.
“I’ve been fortunate to see this industry from almost every side of the table, and I’m looking forward to working with people where I can put that experience to good use. That’s what Prescott Advisory is for. Not a conventional consultancy telling experienced people what they already know – but an independent, operator’s perspective on what’s actually going on.”
He added, “Connaughton is a different story, and a much older one. I have known and highly respected the Connaughton family and their business for around 35 years, and this is personal, not a Prescott Advisory mandate. It’s the chance to back people I’ve admired for most of my working life, in a business I know well.” ✈
