ASIA PACIFIC. The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) has named Delhi Duty Free CEO Philip Eckles and Distell International Managing Director, Global Travel Retail Luke Maga as board members. In addition, Julia Bauer from Imperial Tobacco Group, already a board member, has been appointed as APTRA Secretary.
The individuals on the APTRA board represent member organisations in each of the major product categories, as well as retailers and airports. Distell, represented by Luke Maga, has filled the alcohol category created by the departure of Ryan Hill from the board. Delhi Duty Free, through Philip Eckles, takes over from Lagardère Travel Retail, after Grant Fleming resigned in April. Melbourne Airport’s Andrew Gardiner has also left the board; APTRA is currently in discussion with other members to fill the airport seat.
APTRA President Sunil Tuli said: “I’m pleased to welcome the expertise and best practices of Luke and Philip to the APTRA board. India is such an important and fast-moving market and Delhi Duty Free is a market leader in shaping the future of travel retail in the country. We will benefit greatly from Philip’s understanding of the dynamics of the Indian consumer, the political landscape and the challenges of developing a retail business at pace. Earlier this year, Delhi Duty Free was a proactive advocacy partner with APTRA in protecting alcohol allowances in India.
“The broad range of brands within the Distell portfolio covers just about every category in spirits, wines, liqueurs, beers and ciders and so Luke brings a great understanding and insights of both mature and emerging categories and their opportunities within travel retail across Asia Pacific. Distell has been a hugely enthusiastic supporter of APTRA over the past four years and we welcome Luke’s energy and enthusiasm for the region.”
Tuli added: “The pressures on business right now are extraordinary and so I am very grateful to all APTRA board members for giving their personal time and their ongoing valued contribution to our mission in supporting the industry through the crisis.
“We thank the two departing board members, Andrew Gardiner of Melbourne Airport and alcohol industry specialist Ryan Hill, for their commitment and time given. Change is taking place everywhere. In every category, sector, market and geography, however the strength of our association and the commitment that is felt from members, from our executive team through to the board, is commendable.”
