USA. Leading airport retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère has made a series of senior appointments and promotions as the revival of its business continues at pace in North America.
Two seasoned industry veterans have been brought in to lead key departments and initiatives for the company. Meanwhile, three existing team members have been promoted to executive roles in the Paradies Lagardère Retail Operations, Merchandising, Legal divisions.
Donna Barton has been named as Vice President of Human Resources. She will lead the organisation’s efforts in talent management, recruitment, leadership development, customer service training, compensation, strategic planning and championing the Paradies Lagardère culture.
Barton previously performed a similar role for Sodexo, where she worked for 37 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University.
Among the promotions, Nicole Burns, who has worked for Paradies Lagardère for more than 16 years, takes on role of Regional Vice President – East. The company said she will lead the efficient operation, profitability and strategic relationships with airport partners on the retail operations side of the business.
Burns was previously a Vice President in the Merchandising Division, and led the convenience, publications, and travel essentials business lines. She also worked for RaceTrac prior to joining Paradies Lagardère and earned an MBA from Georgia State University.
With Burns’ promotion, 20-year Paradies Lagardère veteran Sarah Kirkpatrick has been promoted to Vice President of Merchandising. Starting her career as an Assistant Buyer, Kirkpatrick also previously performed the role of Senior Director of Brands.
Her employer noted that she has successfully managed strategic partnerships with brands such as Spanx, Brooks Brothers and PGA Tour. Kirkpatrick holds a Bachelor of Art degree in psychology from Clemson University.
The final promotion is for Whitfield Caughman, who takes on the role of Vice President – Deputy General Counsel. She will oversee the Legal Department’s transactional, litigation, and labour/employment functions and also perform the duties of Assistant Corporate Secretary.
Caughman will also be leading the development of the enhanced regulatory compliance function in several areas. She developed her expertise through years of private practice at an AmLaw 100 law firm, practicing employment matters and complex commercial litigation before joining Paradies Lagardère.
Caughman earned her BA from Emory University and a J.D. from Tulane University Law School.
Meanwhile, Paradies Lagardère’s Dining Division has recently welcomed Larissa Dubose as its new National Beverage Director. In this capacity, Dubose will lead the continued growth of the organisation’s wine and beverage expertise and offerings.
Her arrival coincides with the expansion of the Vino Volo F&B concept, which recently unveiled new programmes in local spirits and craft beer to complement its award-winning wine programme.
A certified Sommelier, Dubose also held previous senior level roles with Fiji Water, Reliable Churchill and the Oceanaire Seafood Room. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire.
Paradies Lagardère President and CEO Gregg Paradies said: “I am thrilled to secure such talented and strategic leaders for these key roles within the organisation, each of whom is passionate about improving the traveller’s experience.”
He added: “It is a true testament to the continued growth of our company, and depth of our talent, that we not only attract impressive new experts to our business and industry, but we also witness the personal and professional growth of our existing team members who have demonstrated such great commitment and results.”
