ASIA PACIFIC. Lotte Duty Free has named Sung R (Sean) Lee (pictured) to lead its Oceania division, effective from 8 January.
Highly regarded former CEO Steve Timms left the company on 31 December as a result of the Korean company’s sweeping restructuring of its operations, particularly offshore.
Lee was Chief Commercial Officer at Lotte Travel Retail Oceania from 2019 –following the acquisition of JR/Duty Free’s Australian interests – until 2023.
He returned to South Korea and was Head of the Merchandising Strategy Division for six months in 2024, before becoming Head of the Global Business Operations Team.
In a statement, Lotte Duty Free told The Moodie Davitt Report: “Lee previously worked at the Australia entity and has experience as an MD, making him highly qualified to curate locally tailored products and effectively lead customer acquisition activities.”
As reported, Lotte Group announced sweeping structural changes on 28 November as it battles severe headwinds across multiple subsidiaries, including Lotte Duty Free.
Recently appointed Lotte Duty Free CEO Kim Dong-ha has been charged with addressing the Korean travel retail giant’s structure and financial viability, following heavy losses abroad and big challenges at home. ✈
