The Never Hide interview: Francisco ‘Paco’ Heredia Lafuente

INTERNATIONAL. The Moodie Report presents the latest in our popular new feature series called Never Hide, in which well-known interviewees answer ten quick but revealing questions about their lives and interests inside and outside the industry. This week’s subject is Francisco “˜Paco’ Heredia Lafuente, Commercial Director at powerful South American duty free retailer London Supply and President of the South American Duty Free Association, ASUTIL.

How long have you been in the travel retail industry?

Officially, I’ve been in the industry since 1986 (25 years now) but I managed a little duty free shop onboard my father’s vessel in the early 70s!

What’s your proudest career achievement to date?

To have been elected two times as President of Asutil.

Who have been the greatest inspirations in your life and career?

My father for his tenacity and perseverance.

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned in life to date?

That you have to aim towards the average”¦ you never reach the roof nor touch the bottom (sounds like this year’s ASUTIL theme “˜neither hell nor paradise’!).

What quality do you most admire in people?

Sincerity.

What is your favourite quote or saying?

It could be worse.

What’s been your best-ever travel or holiday experience?

Visiting the Taj Mahal in India and Machu Pichu in Peru (and obviously each visit to Disneyworld with Liliana and my four kids!).

One book, one music album for your desert island – what would they be?

A book: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (to have some tips to survive). A music album: The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.

And one duty free item?

My Mac Book! (but I need an island with wi-fi”¦).

If you could invite three iconic figures (they can be living or dead) to your ideal dinner party, who would they be?

Sharon Stone (ten years ago), Cameron Diaz and you”¦ to report the meeting in The Moodie Report!

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