CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
Marrying Excellence & Experience to Elevate the Consumer Journey
07:30
On-site Registration
Foyer area of the ballroom, Taj Bangalore
08:30
Opening and Keynote: Celebrating 15 Years of FAB Excellence
Speakers:
Martin Moodie, Founder & Chairman, The Moodie Davitt Report
Dermot Davitt, President & Editorial Director, The Moodie Davitt Report
Martin Moodie
Founder & Chairman
The Moodie Davitt Report
Martin Moodie is that rarest of species – a flying Kiwi. The New Zealand-born writer, editor and commentator has spent much of the past 39 years in the sky or in airports, researching, reporting and commentating on the travel retail sector that he loves.
After emigrating to the UK in 1987 (he still can’t fathom why), Martin stumbled into the drinks and duty free industry at US publication Impact International before playing a key role in developing Duty-Free News International through the 1990s, where he became Editor and later Managing Director.
In 2002, convinced of the future of digital publishing, he made the fateful decision to go it alone and launched a humble 7-page pdf newsletter called The Moodie Report. The company’s ‘Worldwide Headquarters’ was his garden shed in London, his only staff four goldfish referred to as his Finnish team members.
The rest is history. Within three years The Moodie Report (now The Moodie Davitt Report) was the market leader ahead of stiff multi-national competition and both it and he haven’t looked back since.
A lover of good wine (particularly from his homeland), the All Blacks, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knopfler, Johnny Cash, John Steinbeck and F.Scott Fitzgerald, he plays the piano shockingly, listens to music incessantly, works around the clock and never admits to defeat. 68 going on 12, he now lives in Hong Kong, China, overlooking the South China sea.
His planned epitaph is ‘Free of duty at last’.
Dermot Davitt
President & Editorial Director
The Moodie Davitt Report
Dermot Davitt is one of the most experienced editors and commentators working in the travel retail media. He joined what was then The Moodie Report in April 2006 as Deputy Publisher, becoming a shareholder and President in August 2015.
He manages the company’s flourishing Print Division and also plays a key editorial role on the industry’s leading daily business intelligence website, www.MoodieDavittReport.com, and the leading online journal, The Moodie Davitt e-Zine. He is also actively involved in many of the company’s other business streams, from research to consultancy.
Previously Dermot spent ten years with trade magazine Duty-Free News International, six of those years as Editor-in-Chief, having joined in 1996. Based in Galway, Ireland, Dermot is also a highly experienced conference moderator. He has chaired and moderated many of the travel retail industry’s leading events over the years, including FAB, The Trinity Forum, the annual MEADFA Conference, the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, the Nordic Travel Retail Seminar and many others.
08:45
Welcome Remarks from BIAL and a Fireside Chat
Speaker:
Hari Marar, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bangalore International Airport Limited
Hari Marar
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Bangalore International Airport Limited
A seasoned aviation professional, Hari Marar brings to the table nearly three decades of experience, having served the industry in various capacities with great distinction.
After his stint with Jet Airways, Hari joined BIAL as Head of Daily Operations and thereafter he has held key positions such as Chief Operations Officer, President – Airport and Executive Director & President.
Hari is a part of the core leadership team at BIAL that successfully licensed and operationalised the Greenfield Airport project in Bengaluru. In this role, he was instrumental in implementing several modern, state-of-the-art airport management systems, for the first time in India, that resulted in improved operational efficiency of Kempegowda International Airport. He has been instrumental in shaping the airport into a next-generation gateway that seamlessly blends technology, sustainability and customer-centric innovations. With a steadfast commitment to operational excellence, he has led Bengaluru Airport through significant expansions, including the development of Terminal 2, which stands as a testament to India’s rich heritage, sustainability leadership and cutting-edge design.
As Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of BIAL, Hari is at the helm of one of India’s most dynamic and fastest-growing aviation hubs – Bengaluru Airport.
Under his leadership, the airport has evolved into a global benchmark in airport infrastructure, passenger experience and operational excellence. His vision is to redefine the airport experience by making Bengaluru more than just a transit hub but a destination in itself, reflecting the culture, innovation and aspirations of Bengaluru.
09:15
Global, Regional, Local
Speakers:
Kari Daniels, Chief Executive Officer, SSP UK and Ireland, Netherlands
Varun Kapur, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, TFS
George Mboya, Chief Executive Officer, SSP America
Kari Daniels
Chief Executive Officer
SSP UK and Ireland, Netherlands
Kari Daniels is currently CEO SSP UK Ireland and Netherlands, a Non-Executive Director of Topps Tiles (Member of Audit, Nominations and Remuneration Committees), on the Advisory Board of WiTHL and a member of the CEO Forum at the IGD.
Her career spans over 30 years in retail with experience in the multi-channel food, general merchandise and clothing retail business. Her career has primarily centred in commercial and marketing in both global retail organisations and branded manufacturing in FTSE 100 FMCG businesses.
Prior to SSP Kari was at Tesco for 20 years and worked in Executive Director roles across food and general merchandise in UK and European businesses across various commercial and marketing roles. Her last role at Tesco was CEO for the Irish business for four years, successfully steering it through COVID and Brexit. Prior to Tesco, Kari was Commercial Director at Superdrug and on the Executive Committee; and Marketing Manager at SC Johnson and Wella. She started her career in clothing at Arcadia.
Kari is a member of the Cancer Research UK Corporate Board and Great Ormond Street (Children’s) Hospital Corporate Board.
Varun Kapur
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
TFS
Varun Kapur holds the position of Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer at Travel Food Services Limited (TFS), headquartered in Mumbai, India. With over a decade of hands-on experience, he is responsible for overall strategy and management of the business at TFS.
TFS currently operates more than 500 food & beverage outlets across 20 airports throughout India and South East Asia. It also manages over 35 international airport lounges spread across travel hubs and is the leading player in the fast-growing Indian airport travel quick-service restaurant and lounge sectors.
George Mboya
Chief Executive Officer
SSP America
George Mboya is a global business leader with more than three decades of executive experience across travel, hospitality, retail and food service. As Chief Executive Officer of SSP America, he leads the company’s strategic direction, operational performance and long-term growth shaping a business focused on delivering high-quality experiences, building strong partnerships and creating sustainable value across a complex global ecosystem.
Over the course of his career, George has developed a reputation for disciplined leadership, commercial clarity and a collaborative approach that brings together clients, brand partners and joint-venture stakeholders. He has led large-scale, multi-market operations across North America, navigating shifting consumer expectations, evolving travel patterns and an increasingly dynamic operating environment.
A significant portion of George’s leadership foundation was built in senior finance roles, including as a former Chief Financial Officer. This background continues to shape his perspective as a CEO bringing a rigorous approach to performance, a deep understanding of cost and capital dynamics, and an ability to assess complex operating environments through both a commercial and financial lens.
George is known for his strategic mindset, steady execution, and ability to build resilient businesses in a constantly shifting global landscape. He regularly engages with industry peers on topics including aviation growth, commercial performance and the future of airport hospitality. He brings more than 30 years’ experience in senior commercial and finance roles, including leadership positions at Compass Group and Sodexo in both the USA and Canada.
He holds an MBA in Finance and is both a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management
Accountant.
10:00
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition
10:45
A World-leading Case Study in F&B Inclusion
Speaker:
Alina Alam, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation
Alina Alam
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation
Alina Alam is the Founder and CEO of Mitti Café, the world's largest chain of cafés managed by people with physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities.
At 23, with no startup capital and facing countless rejections, Alina relied on community support to bring her vision to life. From donated equipment to a simple table under an umbrella, her initiative grew into the world’s largest chain of cafés run entirely by persons with disabilities.
Mitti Café works towards economic independence and dignity for persons with disabilities. The organisation’s outreach initiative helps create awareness about inclusion and disability rights.
Alina’s journey with Mitti Café began with a dream to showcase the abilities of individuals with disabilities and a belief in equal opportunities for all. Today, Mitti Café operates in nearly 63 locations across India, including prestigious sites such as the Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Rashtrapati Nilayam and major airports.
Leaders such as Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Honourable President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu, Honouable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy have lauded Alina’s efforts, with the Defence Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurating Mitti Cafés, sending a powerful message of inclusion.
In 2024, Alina received the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from the President of India. She has also been listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list and has received national and international recognition from the United Nations, Commonwealth, NITI Aayog, UNESCO, Rotary, and TieCon for her impactful work.
Under Alina’s leadership, Mitti Café has created over 6,500 livelihoods, served over 21.8 million meals and provided 8.8 million ‘Karuna Meals’ to vulnerable communities.
For Alina, Mitti Café is not just a café – it’s a global movement for dignity, empowerment and inclusion, aiming to transform a billion lives.
11:15
View from the Top: How the Sector Leader Assesses the Future of Airport F&B
Speaker:
Walter Seib, Chief Executive Officer, Northern, Central and Eastern Europe, Avolta
Walter Seib
Chief Executive Officer Northern, Eastern and Central Europe
Avolta
Walter Seib is CEO of Northern, Eastern and Central Europe for Avolta, the world’s leading travel retail and F&B player. Avolta’s geographically diverse network caters to up to 2.5 billion passengers each year, with 5,100 travel retail and food & beverage stores across 70 countries.
Walter assumed his current position in March 2023 following the business combination of Dufry and Autogrill. He partners with general managers across the 17 countries in the business unit to enhance growth and operational excellence and collaborates with global functions to drive value.
Prior to joining Avolta, Seib had been CEO at HMSHost International since 2012, responsible for the Northern European, Asia Pacific, Indian and Middle Eastern markets. Before that, he served as CEO of leading Dutch fast-casual restaurant chain La Place.
Walter had previously spent time with HMSHost International from 1993, when he held roles at Schiphol Airport and HMSHost Netherlands. He was also Senior Vice President and has been on the Senior Executive Team for HMSHost Corporation.
An active member in the foodservice industry, Walter has served as Chairman of the Board for the FoodService Institute Netherlands since January 2020, as well as member of the Supervisory Board of ISS Netherlands, HAK and the Het Rijk Golf courses. He served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Hotel Management School Maastricht until end of 2025, where he also gives biannual guest lectures.
Throughout his career, Walter has preserved his customer-centric approach, building it into the company culture as he brings his unique brand of attention to his people, his business partners and importantly, his travellers.
Born in Vienna, Austria, Walter studied at the Gastgewerbefachschule School of Hotel Management and began his professional career with management roles at Wescho Gastronomie and Mövenpick.
11:45
The Subcontinent Airport Lounge Immersion: India Leading Premiumisation of Lounges Globally & Making a Place in the Experience Economy
Speakers:
Payal Khanna, Founder, Visionary and Creative Strategist, Aura Dezyne
Other speakers to be named
Payal Khanna
Founder, Visionary and Creative Strategist
Aura Dezyne
Payal Khanna is the Founder, Visionary and Creative Strategist at Aura Dezyne, a Mumbai-based design studio known for crafting immersive experiences.
With two decades of experience, she has led the design of over 600 projects across India and internationally, ranging from state-of-the-art film studios and luxury residences to corporate offices, airports and hospitality destinations.
Payal’s journey with airports began in 2009 at the inception of Travel Food Services, where she played a pivotal role in conceptualising some of the earliest and most iconic F&B formats, kiosk concepts and lounge experiences. From curating chaos zones to designing experiential hospitality hubs, her work reflects a rare understanding of how airports can inspire, engage and comfort.
Over the years, Payal has led design across major terminals, with a focus on functionality and emotional connection. She has shaped airport hospitality design, infusing luxury and purpose – crafting spaces that serve millions in transit.
Notably, she designed the 080 Domestic Lounge at Bangalore International Airport for BIAL, a space celebrated for its immersive narrative and awarded as one of the best airport lounges at the 2024 FAB Awards, reflecting Payal’s ability to infuse regional culture, storytelling and hospitality-forward thinking into dynamic, emotionally intelligent spaces. She also led the design of the award-winning 080 International Lounge, a concept-driven experience celebrating the richness, diversity and spirit of India. Together, these lounges earned global recognition, including Best Airport Lounge and Sense of Place honours at the FAB Awards.
For Payal, designing at airports is more than space planning. It is a sensory journey. She describes it as stepping into ‘La La Land’, a living theatre of people, movement and emotion. She transforms transit zones into meaningful, memorable environments.
A strong believer in soulful design, Payal creates spaces that go beyond aesthetics to forge emotional connections and lasting memories. Her latest work includes GATE Z, a new youth-focused lounge at Bangalore International Airport, designed to reflect the aspirations, energy and evolving travel habits of a new generation of travellers.
12:15
Networking Lunch & Exhibition hosted by
13:45
Fresh by Tech : Would You Let AI run Your Kitchen and F&B Operations ?
Shubhra Misra, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Voiceback Analytics
Nishith Pathak, Managing Director, Accenture
Manishi Sanwal, Founder, Voiceback Analytics
Naresh Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, India Retails & Hospitality Private Limited
Shubhra MisraA
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Voiceback Analytics
Shubhra Misra is the CEO and Managing Director of Voiceback Analytics, a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Data & AI and one of travel retail’s most specialised analytics firms.
Under Shubhra’s leadership, Voiceback has built AI-powered data products spanning pricing intelligence, sales operations analytics, customer engagement and merchandising – deployed across airports, duty-free operators and consumer brands in India, the Middle East and beyond.
Voiceback’s technology stack is built on Microsoft Azure – spanning data engineering, data analytics, systems development, Power BI and Generative AI integration across models. Voiceback is also a Power BI Showcase Partner of Microsoft. The analytical rigour underpinning Voiceback’s products draws on Shubhra’s deep background in quantitative research, built across senior roles at ORG-MARG (now AC Nielsen), Blackstone MR (now Synovate) and Tata Global Beverages.
An MBA from IIM Lucknow, she is a regular voice on AI and data strategy at multiple industry forums.
Nishith Pathak
Managing Director
Accenture
Nishith is a seasoned technology and AI leader with over two decades of experience and one of the most decorated figures in the Microsoft ecosystem. He was named India’s first AI MVP and has received the Microsoft AI MVP award eight times – the highest globally. Microsoft has also handpicked him to serve as a Microsoft Regional Director for the past ten years, a distinction reserved for a select group of technology leaders worldwide, recognising his deep cross-platform expertise and leadership in the technology community.
Nishith has authored seven international technical books, the three most recent focused on AI and were published by Springer (US). He is also a frequent industry speaker known for shaping enterprise-wide AI and innovation strategies that empower architects and engineering leaders at scale.
Nishith currently serves as Managing Director at Accenture, where he heads AI for the Accenture Microsoft Business Group.
Manishi SanwalA
Founder
Voiceback Analytic
Manishi Sanwal is a travel retail professional and technology enthusiast with deep expertise in building brands, scaling global retail operations, and shaping strategic growth across emerging markets.
Manishi founded Voiceback Analytics, a Microsoft-partnered Data & AI company, and grew it into a 50+ member team delivering AI-ML, Power BI and data engineering solutions of enterprise scale.
Previously, Manishi has held leadership roles at LVMH, DFS Group, Flemingo and Adani Airports Holding Limited.
A chemical engineer from IIT BHU and MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, Manishi combines operational precision with a flair for luxury branding, positioning him with the ability to build businesses from the ground up.
Naresh SharmaA
Chief Executive Officer
India Retails & Hospitality Private Limited
Naresh Sharma is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of diverse experience across industries such as retail, aviation, consumer products and alcohol. His strong leadership skills and hands-on approach seamlessly blend strategic foresight with precise execution.
With acute business acumen and deep marketing understanding, he is a seasoned entrepreneur who not only founded businesses but also built them from the ground up. Under his guidance, brands have transformed their position into industry leaders. Spearheading India Retails & Hospitality Private Limited (IRHPL) as CEO, Naresh’s dynamic, forward-thinking leadership consistently fosters innovation, operational excellence and sustainable business growth. Under his vision, IRHPL has rapidly expanded its proprietary retail portfolio with concept brands including Artport, Mishthaan, Toycraft, The Olfactive, Artport Accessories, Neo Travel, Lumière and Lamourde Choc, creating distinctive shopping experiences for travellers across multiple airports.
Through Radiance Aero Hospitality, the F&B division of IRHPL, Naresh has pioneered India’s first airport-based microbreweries with the launch of Susegado at Goa Manohar International and Barley & Grapes at Hyderabad Rajiv Ghandi International, redefining the F&B landscape in travel retail.
The division’s curated portfolio seamlessly blends proprietary craft beverage experiences with partnerships from globally recognised F&B brands, including KFC, Pizza Hut and Theobroma, while welcoming the upcoming FiLLi Cafe. These ventures exemplify his commitment to transforming airports into destinations of culinary and experiential excellence.
Prior to his stint at IRHPL, Naresh played an instrumental role in the creation of successful alcohol brands and the transformation of high-profile organisations, including Landmark Retail across Saudi Arabia and Oman, Reliance Retail, Mumbai Airport, Adani One Super App, and United Spirits.
14:30
Deliver Unforgettable Airport Gastronomy
Ömür Akkor, Chef, Author & Gastronomy Researcher, BTA
Baha Bülbül, Chief Executive Officer, BTA
Dr Frank Quante, General Manager, Fraport TAV Antalya Airport
Ömür Akkor
Chef, Author & Gastronomy Researcher
BTA
Ömür Akkor is a Turkish chef, author and cultural researcher widely recognised for bringing the deep-rooted culinary heritage of Anatolia to a global audience. He has built a multidisciplinary career that bridges gastronomy, history and academia. Trained in economics, prehistory and geography, Ömür approaches cuisine not only as a craft but as a cultural narrative shaped over millennia.
Throughout his career, he has explored and shared 12,000 years of Anatolian culinary heritage. Ömür is the author of more than 30 books, including Ottoman Cuisine and The Oldest Dishes of Anatolia, with several titles translated into multiple languages. His work has been recognised with three ‘Best in the World’ awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
Ömür is the founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Anatolian Gastronomy Foundation. In addition to his publishing work, he has produced documentaries for national and international broadcasters, contributed to projects with BBC and CNN, and created nearly 500 television episodes.
His culinary concepts – including Havuş, Natolia, Otto Bite, Nahita and Taste of Anatolia by Ömür Akkor at Antalya Airport – offer contemporary interpretations of regional traditions.
Ömür has collaborated with leading institutions including Harvard, Yale, the University of Liverpool and the University of Milan, and has represented Anatolian cuisine in international cultural initiatives. With experience spanning more than 40 countries, he continues to share his work through seminars, events, and cross-cultural collaborations.
Alongside his professional work, he is engaged in social impact initiatives, supporting local producers and contributing to community-focused projects.
Baha Bülbül
Chief Executive Officer
BTA
Baha Bülbül has been at the forefront of BTA’s journey for more than two decades, playing a central role in shaping the company into a leading global player in travel catering and hospitality.
He began his career at BTA in 1999 as Cost Control and IT Manager, laying the foundation for data-driven management and operational efficiency. In 2006, he assumed the role of Business Development Director, driving the expansion of BTA’s brand portfolio and building strategic alliances that reinforced the company’s international presence. Between 2011 and 2020, Baha successfully led BTA Seaways as General Manager, strengthening the company’s position in maritime catering by delivering service excellence to millions of passengers.
His appointment as Chief Operating Officer in 2020 marked a new era of operational transformation, as he oversaw large-scale airport operations across multiple countries with a strong emphasis on performance, innovation and guest satisfaction.
Since May 2023, Baha has been serving as Chief Executive Officer of BTA, steering the company
through a new chapter of growth. His leadership focuses on globalisation, digitalisation and sustainability, ensuring that BTA remains at the cutting edge of the travel hospitality sector. By combining innovative service models with value-driven projects, Baha has positioned BTA as a brand synonymous with quality, responsibility and guest-centric excellence.
He holds a degree in Tourism Management from Bilkent University and an MBA from Istanbul University in Türkiye.
Dr Frank Quante
General Manager
Fraport TAV Antalya Airport
Dr Frank Quante is an internationally experienced General Manager with experience in the sectors of energy, telecommunication, IT and airport operations. He worked in C-Level positions across Germany, Bulgaria and Türkiye.
Frank joined Fraport in July 2020 as CEO of Fraport Twin Star Airport Management, responsible for the operations of Burgas and Varna Airport in Bulgaria.
Starting in August 2025, he took over the position as General Manager of Fraport TAV Antalya Airport, the company operating the terminals of Antalya Airport.
Frank is married with two children.
15:15
Dreaming together at Vienna Airport: Delivering a new guest experience
Philipp Ahrens, Senior Vice President Center Management, Vienna Airport
Jonathan Doughty, Managing Director, Viklari Consulting Limited
Philipp Ahrens
Senior Vice President Center Management
Vienna Airport
Philipp Ahrens joined Vienna Airport as Senior Vice President Center Management in 2021. He oversees approximately 100 units covering retail, F&B and services at the travel hub.
He has 30 years’ experience in the airport world, covering numerous operational, planning, consultative as well as commercial areas at Munich Airport and for four years at ACI Europe, with work experience in Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Philipp holds a Bachelor of European Law from the University of West London and an Aviation MBA from Danube University in Krems, Austria, where he is also a guest lecturer.
Philipp has been the Chairman of the ACI Europe Commercial Forum since 2022.
Jonathan Doughty
Managing Director
Viklari Consulting Limited
Jonathan Doughty has been in the foodservice industry for nearly 50 years, starting his career in a public house in Nottingham, England, aged 14. He was too young to serve drinks but earned his first wages sorting glass bottles. It was from this early age that he fell in love with food & beverage.
These first experiences in the restaurant and bar industry became a consuming passion and Jonathan went on to train as a chef and then a professional manager in hotels and restaurants, completing his craft qualifications, then a Diploma and finally a Bachelor of Science Degree in Foodservice Management.
Having worked for Imperial Inns and Taverns, Trusthouse Forte, Whitbread, Mars, Masterfoods and Marriot in operations, sales and new concept development and store openings, Jonathan embarked on his consulting career with a small London practice, working on the first UK food courts, transit catering and inflight foodservice. In 1993, Jonathan started Coverpoint, the foodservice consulting business.
Coverpoint expanded progressively over 26 years and in that time provided advice to over 250 of the world’s best owners, operators, landlords and developers with projects being delivered in over 50 countries across all types of commercial property and transit locations.
Over this time, Jonathan became known as a leading thinker in his industry, with knowledge and insight into the performance of assets, brands, consumers and locations. He remains connected at the highest level with foodservice leaders and businesses across the world and with airport owners and operators, and property owners and managers in many countries.
In 2014 Coverpoint was sold to JLL, the professional property services business listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2017 Jonathan joined ECE as Global Head of Foodservice. He is now an independent consultant, still working with ECE, as well as providing consulting services to a number of other companies and locations, including airports and transit locations. He is currently engaged at Vienna Airport, Austria, as the Food & Beverage consultant assisting with the Southern Extension development and tendering process. The project is due for completion in 2027.
Jonathan is also a speaker and panel member at many of the industry conferences, this year including ACI in Berlin and PTE World in London.
He is married to Misha and together they have two young children as well as a dog and they live in the New Forest, Hampshire, England, where Jonathan is also a local councillor.
15:40
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition
16:25
Trinity Intelligence Platform: Update on a Critical Industry Breakthrough in the Tender Eco-system
Éric Trichot, Managing Director, PT&M
Dermot Davitt, President & Editorial Director, The Moodie Davitt Report
Dermot Davitt
President & Editorial Director
The Moodie Davitt Report
Dermot Davitt is one of the most experienced editors and commentators working in the travel retail media. He joined what was then The Moodie Report in April 2006 as Deputy Publisher, becoming a shareholder and President in August 2015.
He manages the company’s flourishing Print Division and also plays a key editorial role on the industry’s leading daily business intelligence website, www.MoodieDavittReport.com, and the leading online journal, The Moodie Davitt e-Zine. He is also actively involved in many of the company’s other business streams, from research to consultancy.
Previously Dermot spent ten years with trade magazine Duty-Free News International, six of those years as Editor-in-Chief, having joined in 1996. Based in Galway, Ireland, Dermot is also a highly experienced conference moderator. He has chaired and moderated many of the travel retail industry’s leading events over the years, including FAB, The Trinity Forum, the annual MEADFA Conference, the TFWA Asia Pacific Conference, the Nordic Travel Retail Seminar and many others.
Éric Trichot
Managing Director
PT&M
Éric Trichot has been Managing Director of Public Tenders & Marketing (PT&M) since 2003.
Previously, he spent 12 years at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport as Vice President Commercial Development.
From 1991 to 1998, Éric was a teacher with first EDHEC Business School and then École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (French Civil Aviation University) as Teacher of Strategic Marketing and Teacher of Airport Commercial Activity Management, respectively.
Éric earned a degree in International Policies from Institute of Political Sciences of Paris in 1987, a master’s degree in European Law from University Panthéon Sorbonne in 1988, followed by a PhD specialising in air transport in Paris in 1989.
16:45
Airport F&B Manifesto 2035: A Movement to Redefine Airport Dining
Mark Angela, Director, Panoramic Advisory Ltd
Sushanta Das, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, tRetail Labs
Dr. Thorsten Merkle, Professor for Hospitality Management, Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Andreas Reichert, Chief Executive Officer, Allresto Flughafen München Hotel und Gaststätten GmbH
Mark Angela
Director
Panoramic Advisory Ltd
Mark Angela has recently stepped back from a full-time role after 14 years with SSP in the food travel business, having run a number of regions (UK, Asia Pacific, EEME) as well as the Global Business Development and Commercial functions.
He combines an interesting mix of FMCG and retail experience over a 40-year career running major food & beverage/hospitality businesses across a number of international markets.
From 1993 Mark spent 11 years in various roles across the UK, Germany, USA, New Zealand and Canada with Colgate-Palmolive.
He then took on the Group Managing Director position with UK pub chain Greene King, before moving to Pizza Express as CEO.
He joined SSP in 2012, spending 14 years in roles ranging from Strategy and Business Development Officer to CEO in the UK, EEME and Asia Pacific.
Mark is now acting in an advisory capacity in the food travel sector.
Dr Thorsten Merkle
Professor for Hospitality Management
Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Dr Thorsten Merkle is Professor for Hospitality Management at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences. His research focuses on food service innovation, climate-conscious hospitality, as well as airport food & beverage concessions.
Dr Merkle holds a PhD in business and management as well as an MBA and brings two decades of global experience in catering, global events and service excellence. A frequent speaker at international conferences, he advises airport operators and concessionaires on passenger experience, social reputation and climate-conscious cuisine.
Sushanta Das
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
tRetail Labs
Sushanta Das is Founder and CEO of tRetail Labs, an AI research and technology company focused on the Visitor Economy, and creator of the nrtureAI Visitor Experience Intelligence platform.
His work focuses on understanding and improving the end-to-end traveller and visitor journey through visitor intelligence, behavioural science, customer experience and agentic AI.
With over two decades of global experience across aviation, travel, hospitality, food & beverage, commercial strategy and digital transformation, Sushanta is a recognised thought leader and industry practitioner helping organisations translate visitor insights into measurable commercial, operational and experience outcomes.
17:20
Talking Tenders: Redesigning Brussels Airport F&B Programme
Michiel Arnouts, Food and Beverage Manager, Brussels Airport
Michiel Arnouts
Food and Beverage Manager
Brussels Airport
Michiel Arnouts has built a career across aviation, hospitality and customer experience, bringing together expertise in commercial strategy, premium services and operational excellence.
Currently serving as F&B Manager at Brussels Airport, Michiel is responsible for overseeing and developing the airport’s food & beverage offering, and collaborating with partners and stakeholders to deliver innovative concepts and elevate the passenger experience. He strongly believes airports serve as gateways to a country’s culture, which can be effectively brought to life through a thoughtfully designed airport commercial programme.
Prior to joining Brussels Airport, Michiel gained experience at JetBlue, where he developed the airline’s lounge strategy and programme, including the development of its first lounge at JFK, while also contributing to customer experience initiatives and premium hospitality environments.
He holds a Master of Business Administration from KU Leuven.
18:45
Opening Cocktail at Vista Lawn, Taj Bangalore
Hosted by
Partner with
08:30
Day 2 Opening
08:35
Raising the Bar in Indian Airport Food & Beverage
Tarun Arora, Chief Commercial Officer - Non Aero, GMR Airports Limited
George Bennet Kuruvilla, Vice President Hospitality, Bangalore International Airport Limited & Chief Executive Officer, Bangalore Airport Services Limited
Other speakers to be named
Tarun Arora
Chief Commercial Officer - Non Aero
GMR Airports Limited
Tarun Arora has more than three decades of experience related to sales, marketing, projects, business development, operations, logistics and supply chain.
His extensive professional background includes working in different arenas of the industry, including retail, hospitality, duty free and consulting across numerous firms.
Tarun has been associated with GMR Group for the past 12 years. Currently, he holds the position of Sector Chief Commercial Officer for Non Aeronautical Businesses, where he oversees duty free, retail, food & beverage, terminal hotel, lounges, foreign exchange, car park, ground transportation, and advertising and promotions for all GMR Airports across the country.
Tarun is an engineering graduate, with a master’s degree in business administration.
George Bennet Kuruvilla
Vice President Hospitality & Chief Executive Officer
Bangalore International Airport Limited & Bangalore Airport Services Limited
With an illustrious career spanning over 32 years, George Bennet Kuruvilla is a seasoned hospitality leader who has made a significant mark across national and international luxury hotel landscapes. Currently serving as Vice President – Hospitality at Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and the Chief Executive Officer of Bangalore Airport Services Limited (BASL), he is at the helm of redefining airport hospitality in India.
George has held senior leadership positions with globally renowned hotel groups, including Marriott, Oberoi, Taj, Radisson, Hyatt Hotels and MGM Muthu Hotels Europe, leading large-scale operations and steering high-performing teams across diverse geographies. Prior to joining BIAL, he was General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, where he played a pivotal role in elevating the property to international acclaim.
An alumnus of IHM Mumbai, George began his journey in hospitality in 1992 as a management trainee with The Oberoi Group, after completing his post-graduate diploma from the prestigious Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development. He further honed his leadership capabilities by completing the General Managers Program at Cornell University, Ithaca.
More than just a hospitality expert, George is a visionary and innovative thinker who brings a people-first and community-driven approach to everything he does. Known for his empathetic leadership, sustainable mindset and forward-looking strategies, he has consistently championed initiatives that blend excellence with responsibility – setting new benchmarks for modern hospitality.
His contributions continue to shape and inspire the future of hospitality within and beyond the airport ecosystem.
09:20
Turning Passengers into Guests: Where Next for Airport Hospitality?
Matt Etchells, Experiences Director, CAVU
Aude Ferrand, Chief Executive Officer, TAV Operation Services & Chief Commercial Officer, TAV Airports Holding
Errol McGlothan, Chief Operating Officer, Airport Dimensions
Aude Ferrand
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Commercial Officer
TAV Operation Services & TAV Airports Holding
Aude Ferrand is Chief Commercial Officer of TAV Airports Holding and Chief Executive Officer of TAV Operation Services. She leads the group’s commercial and marketing strategy across its international airport portfolio, while driving the growth and performance of TAV Operation Services as a global airport hospitality operator.
Her work sits at the intersection of commercial performance, brand strategy, digital enablement and human-centred service design – shaping airports into integrated experience platforms that create long-term value. She focuses on aligning retail, food & beverage, services and digital ecosystems to deliver meaningful passenger experiences while generating sustainable value for partners and stakeholders.
Aude joined the aviation sector in 2017 as Chief Retail Officer at Groupe ADP, before taking on broader executive responsibilities within TAV Airports. Prior to aviation, she held senior roles at Printemps as Head of Luxury Merchandise and spent over a decade with Amore Pacific in international commercial and marketing positions. She began her career in the UK with Armani as Brand Manager.
With a career spanning aviation, airport hospitality, travel retail and luxury brands, she contributes a cross-industry perspective to the ongoing evolution of airport ecosystems.
Matt Etchells
Experiences Director
CAVU, Manchester Airports Group
Matt Etchells has over 20 years of experience in airport management across a variety of positions, including aviation development, retail and car park revenue generation and operations general management.
Since joining Manchester Airports Group, Matt’s roles have included Head of Group Retail Operations, Head of Customer Services & Terminal Operations at Manchester Airport, and Group Hospitality Director. He has been fortunate to work on a number of exciting developments across the Group, including the acquisition of London Stansted Airport, the redevelopment of Manchester Airport’s transformation programme and leading the operational expansion of CAVU’s lounges across UK, USA and Australia.
Matt currently holds the role of EMEA Experiences Director, responsible for the full P&L management, product development and growth of CAVU’s ‘experience’ products within the EMEA region. These include the Escape Lounge network, the aether Private Terminal at Manchester Airport and a new lounge concept, ‘The Executive’ launched this summer.
Errol McGlothan
Chief Operating Officer
Airport Dimensions
Errol McGlothan is Chief Operating Officer at Airport Dimensions, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s global operations and driving operational excellence across its growing portfolio of airport hospitality, lounge and traveller experience solutions.
With more than two decades of experience leading business transformation, commercial growth and operational performance, Errol has built a track record of scaling businesses, delivering complex change programmes and driving sustainable growth across a range of international organisations, including NatWest, MyTravel, Orange and Digicel.
During his tenure at Collinson, he played an integral role in the management team responsible for the global expansion and success of the Priority Pass business, helping establish it as the world’s leading airport experiences programme.
Today, Errol works closely with Airport Dimensions’ global teams and strategic partners to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving needs of travellers while supporting the ambitions of airports and industry partners worldwide.
10:05
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition
11:15
Creating World-class Environments through Enhanced Design, Ambience and Service
Speakers:
Mira Al-Hmoud, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Business Development, Plaza Premium Group
Hani Ezra Hussin, Senior General Manager Commercial Services, Malaysia Airports
Jo Pennycuick, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Opula
Michiel Reuvers, Associate Partner, Business Development, Conceptional B.V.
Jo Pennycuick
Chief Strategy and Growth Officer
Opula
Jo Pennycuick is a design-led strategist with nearly 30 years of international experience, combining creativity, commercial acumen and operational execution. Having worked across New Zealand, India, the Middle East, the UK and Europe, she has led transformation programmes for global brands and design practices operating seamlessly across consultancy and in-house leadership.
At Opula, Jo leads strategic growth and market development, shaping partnerships across airports, airlines, lounges and travel retail. She is instrumental in redefining how high-value travellers engage within airport environments, bridging the gap between lounges, retail and digital to create integrated, experience-led commercial ecosystems.
Jo also leads the creative design and integration of Opula’s in-lounge screen experiences, ensuring they enhance the environment, elevate customer engagement and deliver both value and interaction without disrupting the premium lounge experience.
Her work challenges traditional airport models by unlocking new revenue through more seamless, behaviour-driven engagement, aligning customer experience with measurable commercial performance.
A strong advocate for growth as a catalyst for innovation, Jo focuses on delivering human-centred strategies that drive both long-term value creation and immediate commercial results.
Mira Al-Hmoud
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Business Development
Plaza Premium Group
Mira Al-Hmoud is Director of Strategic Initiatives & Business Development at Plaza Premium Group, bringing 15 years of global aviation experience. Her expertise spans commercial development, strategic planning, partnerships and growth. She has worked in diverse markets, including Canada, Jordan and UAE.
Since joining Plaza Premium Group in 2022, Mira has led strategic initiatives and partnerships aligned with the Group’s growth strategy and core priorities centred on People, Innovation and ESG. Through these initiatives, PPG contributes to the wider travel ecosystem by advancing innovation, sharing specialised expertise, and elevating the traveller experience across airports and travel touchpoints.
Before joining PPG, Mira spent nearly ten years with the International Air Transport Association, where she managed a global commercial portfolio focused on airline distribution training, working with airlines, airports, solution providers and tourism bodies. Her key focus areas were modern airline retailing, ancillary revenue, enhanced passenger journey and rapid digital transformation.
Mira is an Information Technology graduate and speaks Arabic, English and French. She is active in aviation forums, contributing to dialogue on innovation in airport hospitality, inclusive travel and the passenger experience of the future.
Michiel Reuvers
Associate Partner, Business Development
Conceptional
Michiel Reuvers brings over 25 years of international experience in travel, hospitality and food & beverage. He has built a strong reputation for translating strategic ambitions into commercially successful and operationally feasible F&B environments, particularly within complex settings such as airports, shopping centres and large-scale mixed-use developments.
His career has taken him across the world. At Schiphol, he was closely involved in international commercial expansion; at Avolta (formerly HMSHost / World Duty Free), he spent nearly 15 years leading all aspects of business development; and at McArthurGlen, he held commercial and operational responsibility for over 300 restaurants across 27 designer outlet centres. Most recently, as CCO at Vermaat Group, he defined and executed the commercial strategy for the Netherlands.
At Conceptional, Michiel is Associate Partner overseeing all Business Development activities and Master Planning & Place Making proposition, connecting strategy, market insights and commercial feasibility to long-term visions for complex locations, from initial masterplan through to implementation.
He views every location as an opportunity to leverage F&B as a driver of placemaking, value creation and distinctive guest experience.
Hani Ezra Hussin
Senior General Manager Commercial Services
Malaysia Airports
With over 25 years of experience in retail, marketing and brand development, Hani Ezra Hussin leads the commercial strategy across Malaysia’s 39 airports.
Under her leadership, Malaysia Airports has embarked on a significant commercial transformation, rethinking how retail, dining and services are curated to meet evolving passenger expectations.
Hani oversees a portfolio of more than 800 retail and F&B outlets, working closely with international and local partners to enhance commercial performance while embedding a strong sense of place.
Her work continues to position Malaysia Airports in line with global benchmarks, balancing commercial growth with meaningful passenger experiences.
12:00
Airport Lounges as Cultural Gateways – Hyperlocal Cuisine, Micro-Food Systems & the Future of Responsible Hospitality
Ranveer Brar
Chef, Author, Storyteller
Chef Ranveer Brar is an internationally acclaimed Indian chef, restaurateur, author and storyteller known for bringing the richness of Indian culinary heritage to global audiences. With best-selling books and his flagship restaurant Kashkan in the UAE, he has built a distinctive culinary identity that blends tradition, innovation and cultural storytelling.
One of India’s most celebrated celebrity chefs, Chef Brar connects with a global community of over 20 million people across digital platforms. His work extends beyond the kitchen into film, television and cultural advocacy, where he explores the deeper connections between food, memory and identity.
Chef Brar began his journey in professional kitchens at a young age and went on to become one of the youngest Executive Chefs of his time. Over the years, he has consulted on numerous culinary ventures worldwide and has been recognised for his creative leadership and influence in the food industry.
Committed to giving back, Chef Brar actively supports social and welfare initiatives and believes strongly in the power of food to bring people together and create meaningful change. Through his work with organisations and communities, he continues to inspire conversations around culture, nourishment and compassion.
Chef Brar describes himself as a ‘Food Sufi’ – someone who seeks stories, connection and purpose through the universal language of food.
12:40
Networking Lunch & Exhibition
14:10
Global Vision for Innovative F&B Concepts
Speakers:
Christine Bony, Vice President Dining Marketing, Lagardère Travel Retail
Lylian Vignau, Chief Commercial & Digital Officer, Lagardère Travel Retail
Christine Bony
Vice President Dining
Lagardère Travel Retail
Christine Bony is Vice President Dining at Lagardère Travel Retail, where she leads brand and concept innovation across more than 30 countries.
With over 20 years of experience in marketing, brand development and digital transformation across food service and retail, Christine focuses on driving growth through customer-centric concepts and omnichannel strategies.
She previously held senior marketing positions at SSP, Planet Sushi, Groupe Flo and Wonderbox, where she specialised in brand strategy, concept creation, CRM and digital communications.
Christine is a graduate of ESSEC Business School.
Lylian Vignau
Chief Commercial & Digital Officer
Lagardère Travel Retail
Lylian Vignau is Chief Commercial & Digital Officer at Lagardère Travel Retail and a member of the company’s Executive Committee.
An agronomist and oenologist graduated from ESSEC Business School, Lylian began his career with Rémy Cointreau in 1992, working in France, Australia and China. He joined Casino Group in 1995, where he held various international senior positions across Latin America, Switzerland and France, including International Merchandise Director.
In 2014, Lylian joined Sephora Europe & Middle East as Head Merchant before becoming CEO of the Duty Free division of Lagardère Travel Retail in 2017. In 2024, he was appointed Chief Commercial & Digital Officer, reflecting his broader responsibility for commercial strategy, digital acceleration and global performance across the business.
14:40
Seamless Journeys Through Digital Innovation
15:10
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition
15:55
The FAB Awards 2026: Key Findings
16:10
FAB Superstars — Recognising and Championing our Sector’s Front-line and Back-of-house Heroes & Heroines
Martin Moodie, Founder & Chairman, The Moodie Davitt Report
Martin Moodie
Founder & Chairman
The Moodie Davitt Report
Martin Moodie is that rarest of species – a flying Kiwi. The New Zealand-born writer, editor and commentator has spent much of the past 39 years in the sky or in airports, researching, reporting and commentating on the travel retail sector that he loves.
After emigrating to the UK in 1987 (he still can’t fathom why), Martin stumbled into the drinks and duty free industry at US publication Impact International before playing a key role in developing Duty-Free News International through the 1990s, where he became Editor and later Managing Director.
In 2002, convinced of the future of digital publishing, he made the fateful decision to go it alone and launched a humble 7-page pdf newsletter called The Moodie Report. The company’s ‘Worldwide Headquarters’ was his garden shed in London, his only staff four goldfish referred to as his Finnish team members.
The rest is history. Within three years The Moodie Report (now The Moodie Davitt Report) was the market leader ahead of stiff multi-national competition and both it and he haven’t looked back since.
A lover of good wine (particularly from his homeland), the All Blacks, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knopfler, Johnny Cash, John Steinbeck and F.Scott Fitzgerald, he plays the piano shockingly, listens to music incessantly, works around the clock and never admits to defeat. 68 going on 12, he now lives in Hong Kong, China, overlooking the South China sea.
His planned epitaph is ‘Free of duty at last’.
16:30
Reflections & Conference Close
18:30
Pre-Gala Dinner Cocktail Reception at foyer area of the ballroom, Taj Bangalore
Hosted by
19:45
Gala Dinner & FAB Awards Ceremony at ballroom, Taj Bangalore
Hosted by
The Organisers reserve the right to amend programme details without prior notice.
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