INTERNATIONAL. The Moodie Davitt Report is back with the fifth full year of our popular column dedicated to recognising people in our industry – frontline, back office, logistics, management and more – for their commitment, kindness and achievements.
The Travel Retail and F&B Superstars column is a key component in the lead up to this year’s Travel Retail Superstars Awards and FAB Superstars Awards.
If you’d like to nominate a team member, or team, for inclusion in this year’s Superstars column, please email Mark Lane at mark@moodiedavittreport.com or Martin Moodie at martin@moodiedavittreport.com.
Here, as a taster of things to come, are some of the industry’s superstars of 2025 and 2026.
22 February
HMSHost bar tenders, New York LaGuardia Airport
HMSHost New York Director of Operations Jean Urbina has highlighted the efforts of four bar tenders working in HMSHost concessions in New York LaGuardia Airport for their outstanding work encouraging customers to use QR code technology to make their orders and pay for them.
IL Viaggio’s Zuhey and Katherine and La Chula’s Gustavo and Millie each clocked more than 60% of their customers using the technology in January this year.
60% was the target for high achievers set by Jean, as he aimed to get his teams improving in this area, with the percentage being as low as an average of around 20% during 2025.
Urbina told The Moodie Davitt Report that the dedication of his teams now has HMSHost concessions averaging over 30% of customers using QR Codes, and he has now raised the target to 40%.
The bar tenders hitting 60% in January each received a personalised mug with their restaurant logo, their names and the words “QR Code Champion’.
Urbina said: “Congratulations to the four winners Zuhey, Katherine, Gustavo and Millie. Thanks for taking the challenge and for leading the way. I’m proud of your hard work, and the hard work of the managers that are driving this – there’s no better feeling than achieving the goals.”
He added: “LGA has been a leader in our region in adopting the use of this technology not to save labour but to give guests control of their experience.”
20 February
Areas Concepts and Standards Director Mathieu Herrero
Congratulations to Areas Concepts and Standards Director Mathieu Herrero (pictured below), who has been named as Executive of the Year by Marcas de Restauración.
In explaining why he won, the Spanish restaurant brand association credited his style of leadership “that turns brand vision into global standards – and, above all, into flawless execution at every point of sale: the foundation for continuing to raise the bar in travel F&B.”
Areas said in a LinkedIn post: “The award also recognises the hard work of our team members and the long journey of our company. Congratulations, Mathieu, on this award, which shows your dedication and commitment to Areas.”
16 February
Delhi Duty Free store teams
Delhi Duty Free has given a shout out to its teams on LinkedIn to celebrate the annual Retail Employees Day.
Initiated by the Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India and the Retailers Association of India in 2011, Retail Employees Day is a major event aimed at recognising the contribution of millions of frontline retail employees.
Paying tribute to its staff, the company said: “Behind every great journey is a great retail team. Our people are the heart of every experience we create. From the first smile at dawn to the last traveller before departure, their energy, dedication and passion never fade.
“They don’t just sell – they craft moments, build memories and make every journey special.
“This #RetailEmployeesDay, we celebrate our everyday heroes who make Delhi Duty Free what it is – a place where travel meets warmth, service meets passion and every traveller feels at home.”
29 January
MMI & Emirates Leisure Retail long servers
MMI – Maritime and Mercantile International & Emirates Leisure Retail CEO Tyrone Reid paid a great tribute on LinkedIn to a group of “incredible” individuals who reached major long‑service milestone for the two companies, both major players in travel retail.
The group came together to be addressed and recognised by Reid, who spoke to them about his admiration for what they have contributed to the companies, across individual milestones ranging between and five and 30 years.
He said: “Collectively, they represent over 400 years of service. That’s an extraordinary number, but what stands behind it is even more meaningful: years of commitment, loyalty and genuine care for our business, our customers and each other.
Reid gave a special shout‑out to two outstanding individuals: Deepthi Gunasekera and Sasikumar Nair, who have clocked up 25 and 30 years with MMI, respectively.
Of the duo and others who have hit long service milestones, he added: “Deepthi, Sasi and every milestone achiever have played an enormous role in shaping our culture and building the success we’re proud of today. Their contributions and impact reach every corner of our organisation.
“To everyone who celebrated a milestone: thank you. Your passion, your character and the way you show up every day truly make a difference. I’m incredibly proud to stand beside you and celebrate these moments.”
31 December
Adrienne Campbell and Sonia Dixon, Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport has lauded two “exceptional colleagues”. Adrienne Campbell and Sonia Dixon – Heathrow VIP Liaison Officers – have been recognised in The King’s New Year Honours List, a prestigious recognition of extraordinary service and achievement across the UK.
Adrienne and Sonia (pictured above) – twin sisters from Berkshire – have each been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for their outstanding contribution to the aviation industry.
Heathrow Airport noted: “Since 1989, Adrienne and Sonia have been an indispensable part of our VIP service, playing a pivotal role in the terminal’s transformation into The Windsor By Heathrow this year – a £3 million (US$4 million) upgrade that sets a new standard for luxury travel.”
30 December
WHSmith store team, Sydney Airport
WHSmith Head of Business Development Real Estate New Zealand Cameron Gardiner spent a day working in-store at one of the retailer’s Sydney Airport locations recently as a self-serve checkout host.
Sharing the experience on LinkedIn, he said: “Getting back on the floor is the quickest way to reconnect with the engine room that makes our business run. Peak period energy, fast decisions, real customer questions and a front row seat to the full customer journey through the store.
“Big shout out to our team who keep things moving with a smile, even when the queues get hectic.”
28 December
Mitchell Braddy, SSP Australia & New Zealand
SSP Asia Pacific SVP Business Development Matthew Hill has given high praise to SSP Australia & New Zealand Senior Retail Systems Coordinator SSP Mitchell Braddy via a LinkedIn post.
Paying tribute, Hill said: “Starting in front service and working his way up to his current fancy title, his journey is a cracker. I’m not sure there is anything he hasn’t done over his time and his stories are next level.
“Known to many as Chim, his infectious smile, generous nature, jokes and puns, work ethic and commitment make him someone that everyone would want on their team.
“His volunteer work and community engagement with cricket and footy clubs speak to his character and there’s not many better people to have a drink with. A privilege to work with you big man.”
23 December
Malaysia Airports Commercial Team
Malaysia Airports Senior General Manager – Commercial Services Hani Ezra Hussin has been reflecting on a successful 2025 for the Malaysia Airports commercial team.
She said: “Our commercial reset reached a major milestone this year. We stabilised performance, strengthened the foundations and recalibrated the retail mix across terminals. But this is not the finish line. It is the starting point for what is next, a platform to keep growing, refreshing and adapting.
“To our commercial team, our partners and every retailer who has been part of the journey, thank you. The momentum we have built this year sets us up for an exciting 2026 as we prepare to refresh once again and continue staying in tune with our travellers.”
19 December
HMSHost design & construction team, various US airports
HMSHost Project Director Director of Design & Construction Nick Bunch took to LinkedIn to praise the work of his team on a series of US airport openings.
The openings included Shula’s Burgers and Hudson News (Fort Myers); Tre-Pizzeria and La Gloria Temp Bar (San Antonio); Starbucks (Miami); and 1877 & Co., St. John’s River, Mindworks, Sandhill and Fort Mellon (Orlando Sanford).
Bunch, who highlighted the contributions from Ron Stuart and Jeff Wohead in his team, said:“I’m incredibly thankful for everyone involved in making these openings happen. Too many people to name, but none of this would be possible without the support and collaboration of the aviation authorities, architects and engineers, contractors and our internal teams who keep this company running so well. Busy month. Big momentum. Great teamwork.”
3 December
HMSHost Il Viaggio team, New York LaGuardia Airport
HMSHost New York Director of Operations Jean Urbina has regularly featured in our column through the years, highlighting colleagues for their outstanding work. On this occasion he has picked four team members from the frontline of HMSHost’s Il Viaggio restaurant at New York LaGuardia Airport.
They are the recipients of a HMSHost ‘Above and Beyond’ Award, awarded to, in Urbina’s words, “team members that are always willing to do more to benefit the team and in many cases sacrificing themselves for the good of the team”.
In a LinkedIn post, Urbina said: “Thank You Hassan, Sabir, Dominica and Steven for all you do each and every shift, between these four team members is over 23 years combined of commitment to our great team. This is the key of retention and having a team that love to work for the organisation. Proud of you.”
Read the Travel Retail and F&B Superstars Column 2024 here.
Read the Travel Retail and F&B Superstars Column 2023 here.
Read the Travel Retail and F&B Superstars Column 2022 here.
Read the Travel Retail and F&B Superstars Column 2021 here.
