NEW ZEALAND/PERU. Lagardère Travel Retail has confirmed a series of senior leadership appointments to support its regional growth in Latin America and the Pacific region.
Cyril Letocart assumed the role of CEO at Lagardère Travel Retail New Zealand on 1 July. He was previously CEO of the company’s Peru operations, a position that Miguel Ruiz will take over on 1 August.
Laura Perron stepped into the role of Chief Commercial, Digital and Marketing Officer for Lagardère Travel Retail New Zealand on 15 July.
Letocart began his career with Lagardère Travel Retail in the Business Development team and later held roles across the Middle East and Africa.
He was appointed to lead the Peru business in 2022, during which time the company expanded its operations in Lima across duty free, travel essentials and food & beverage.
As reported, the opening of the new terminal at Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport in June was a major development for the business in the region.
In his new role, Letocart will oversee the company’s operations at Auckland Airport, where Lagardère Travel Retail was recently awarded an eight-year duty free concession.
Letocart said, “Leading the development of Lagardère Travel Retail in Peru has been a demanding and deeply rewarding journey.
“I’m especially proud of how our incredibly dedicated team succeeded in opening the new terminal in Lima and in transforming the retail and F&B offer there.
“As I take on the role of CEO in Auckland, I’m eager to put my recent experience to good use and, together with our team, shape a bold new vision for duty free in Auckland.”
Ruiz joined the company in 2022 as Commercial Director in Peru, bringing more than two decades of experience across foodservice, shopping centres and travel retail.
Since joining, he has played a key role in expanding the brand portfolio, launching Travel Essentials and Foodservice concepts, and supporting commercial negotiations for the new terminal at Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport.
Ruiz commented, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in Peru over the past three years – launching all three business lines, expanding our brand portfolio and establishing the operation as a key platform for Lagardère Travel Retail in Latin America.
“I’m grateful to Cyril for his dedication, commitment and support, and to our partners for their continued trust. As I step into the role of CEO, my priority is to stabilise our operations since the recent opening and empower our people to drive the next phase of growth for Lagardère Travel Retail in Latin America.”
Perron brings extensive experience within the Lagardère Travel Retail network, having held roles in Switzerland and France before moving to Latin America, where she led the development of the Foodservice business in Chile and Peru.
Since 2022, she has overseen business development across South America and was closely involved in the recent Lima terminal opening.
Perron said, “After a very rewarding few years in Latin America, I’m honoured to take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer at Lagardère Travel Retail New Zealand.
“Over the past five years, I’ve had the privilege to contribute to our growth in South America and to develop strong partnerships, notably with Lima Airport Partners.
“I’m proud of the work accomplished with our teams to bring a unique gastronomic offer to life and enhance the customer experience. I now look forward to advancing our commercial strategy and driving innovation to support our development in the Pacific.”
Lagardère Travel Retail Regional COO, Americas Jean-Baptiste Morin remarked, “The work Cyril has accomplished in Latin America is nothing short of remarkable.
“Thanks to his leadership, we now have a solid platform across Duty Free, Travel Essentials and Foodservice that stands as a true landmark in the region and the industry.
“Miguel has played a key role alongside Cyril, and we are certain he is the right person to lead our next phase of growth in Peru. We believe strongly in the potential of Peru and Latin America and remain committed to investing in this dynamic market.”
Lagardère Travel Retail Group Chief Financial Officer & Regional COO, Pacific Luc Mansion added, “Cyril has already proven his exceptional leadership and ability to deliver outstanding results in different environments.
“Supported by Laura and our New Zealand and Regional teams, we have full confidence in his capacity to drive the transformation of the duty-free stores at Auckland Airport.
“The team will ensure we give travellers arriving and departing New Zealand a truly premium shopping experience, working in close partnership with Auckland Airport teams.” ✈
