Michael Payne steps back as IAADFS President and CEO but maintains advisory role

(Left) Long-serving IAADFS President and CEO Michael Payne with (right) IAADFS Executive Director Steven Antolick at the Summit of the Americas in Miami, Florida in March 2025. Click here for our on location report. 
“It’s a perfect time for new leadership and new thinking” — Michael Payne

AMERICAS. The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) has announced that Michael Payne will be stepping back from his position as President and CEO.

IAADFS Chairman René Riedi commented: “Michael will continue to serve as a chief advisor to the Board on matters relating to advocacy, governance and programme content, but will continue to move away from the day-to-day operational activities dealing with membership services, budget items and related areas.

“As we go through some of our scheduled strategic changes and redefining our scope as an organisation, we want to be able to take advantage of his knowledge and relationships and are pleased to have his continued involvement and support. We plan to have Michael actively participating in Cannes to focus on his areas of responsibility and helping to promote the next Summit.”

Commenting on transition, Payne said: “I feel this is a really good solution as we go through this transition period. This conversation started back before COVID, which of course changed everything, and it clearly wasn’t a good time to make any major staff adjustments.

“We now have an energised Board with a number of new members from both the supplier and operator side who have an appreciation and understanding of what changes need to be made to better serve our members and reflect the rapidly changing nature of our industry.”

Payne added: “It’s a perfect time for new leadership and new thinking. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay involved but recognise it’s time to welcome a fresh approach.”

Riedi concluded: “Steven Antolick, who was promoted in 2023 to the Executive Director position, will continue to manage the operational requirements for the association, including membership development, budgets and Summit meeting requirements. This activity will be handled through our management firm contract with Smithbucklin where Steven is employed. Steven’s knowledge of and history with IAADFS will be extremely valuable as we move forward.”

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