INTERNATIONAL. The Duty Free World Council (DFWC) has elected Sarah Branquinho as President for a two-year term.
The election of the highly rated Branquinho, who also serves as External Affairs Advisor at Dufry International, took place at the global association’s AGM.
She had previously served on the board of the DFWC in her former role as ETRC President.
As DFWC noted, Branquinho is well-known within the travel retail and airport sectors for her many years of experience and service. In that time she had made a tremendous contribution to various industry bodies in addition to her corporate responsibilities, the Council added.
Branquinho commented, “I am honoured to have been entrusted with taking the Duty Free World Council forward over the next two years. Under Frank O’Connell’s superb leadership, the DFWC has become a vocal and effective advocate for our industry in the face of many challenges to the way we operate.
“I look forward to working with the regional associations and TFWA to protect and promote the duty free and travel retail channel and the contribution it makes to the travel and tourism ecosystem.”
The DFWC board welcomed Branquinho to the role and expressed its satisfaction at having such a capable individual take over leadership of the Council in the important role it plays in promoting the interests of the industry.
The board recorded its appreciation of outgoing DFWC President Frank O’Connell, who has served since its founding six years ago. His service has enabled the Council to interact with relevant global organisations, protecting and supporting the interests of all industry stakeholders, DFWC noted.
O’Connell added, “I am very pleased to hand on the responsibility for the future development of the Council to Sarah, who I have worked closely with for many years and who I know will lead the Council to the next level.”
The new DFWC Board comprises Sarah Branquinho, President; Grant Fleming, President APTRA; Gustavo Fagundes, President ASUTIL; Nigel Keal, President ETRC; Abe Taqtaq, President FDFA; René Riedi, President IAADFS; Haitham Al-Majali, President MEADFA; and Alain Maingreaud, President TFWA.
