MEADFA names Rob Marriott as President and elects new board

The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association has elected ARI-Middle East CEO Rob Marriott as President for a two-year term, with a new board also voted in by members.

Mar 26, 2025 - 17:09

MEADFA names Rob Marriott as President and elects new board

MIDDLE EAST/AFRICA. The Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) has elected ARI-Middle East CEO Rob Marriott as President for a two-year term. He replaces IDF Trading & Agencies CEO Sherif Toulan in the role.

A new MEADFA board has also been constituted following a members’ Annual General Meeting in Dubai on 25 March.

Officers alongside Marriott include Avolta CEO Middle East & Africa Abdeslam Agzoul (Vice President), Aphrodite CEO & Chairman Karl Raphael (Secretary General) and Dubai Duty Free Senior Vice President – Finance (Retail & Leisure) Dr. Bernard Creed (Treasurer).

Board members include:

Africa Travel Retail Co-founder and Executive Chair Chichi Maponya
Dufry Maroc General Manager Isaias Diaz
Gebr. Heinemann Sales Director Middle East & Africa Bernard Schlafstein
IDF Trading & Agencies CEO Sherif Toulan
Jordanian Duty Free Shops CEO Haitham AL Majali
Lagardère Travel Retail Middle East CEO Dr. Munif Mohamed
TFWA President Philippe Marguerite

In addition, affiliate members elected the following category representatives to serve on the board:

Notions Global Sales Director Travel Retail & Duty Free Mazen Kaddoura for the confectionery category
JT International Corporate Affairs & Communications Manager Global Travel Retail Milika Kalyati on behalf of the tobacco sector
Organico Solutions (The SEVA Group) Managing Director Roger Jackson for the liquor category

Newly-elected President Rob Marriott said: “It is a privilege to lead MEADFA at this pivotal time for our industry. Our focus will be on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, driving meaningful innovation and ensuring that the voice of travel retail in the Middle East and Africa is represented. Together, we will work towards strengthening the resilience of our industry, address emerging challenges, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.”

Outgoing President Sherif Toulan said: “Serving as President of MEADFA for two consecutive terms has been an incredible honour. Over the past four years, we have faced challenges, embraced new opportunities, and strengthened our industry’s position across the Middle East and Africa.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I have full confidence that the new leadership will continue to drive the association forward with the same passion and commitment.”

Vice President Abdeslam Agzoul said: “MEADFA has long been a cornerstone in advancing the interests of our industry, and I am honoured to take on this new role. I look forward to supporting MEADFA’s initiatives, working closely with the new board and officers, and contributing to the continued success and growth of the association across the region.”

Roger Jackson, representing the liquor seat on the board, added: “I am truly honoured to be re-elected to the MEADFA Board, representing the liquor travel retail industry. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals in shaping the future of duty free across the Middle East and Africa. I look forward to driving innovation, tackling challenges and contributing to the continued growth and success of MEADFA.”

**The new MEADFA board; click to enlarge**

Milika Kalyati, who represents the tobacco seat, said: “I am honoured to continue serving on the MEADFA Board for a second term, representing the tobacco category. Over the past years, we have made significant progress in addressing industry challenges and fostering collaboration. I look forward to building on this momentum and working closely with my fellow board and MEADFA members to further strengthen the duty-free industry across the region.”

Mazen Kaddoura, who represents the confectionery category at board level, added: “I am honoured to represent the confectionery members’ category on the MEADFA Board for 2025–2027 and thank the members for their trust. On behalf of Notions Group, founded by Mr. Masri, a veteran of travel retail in the region, I look forward to addressing category challenges, sharing best practices and strengthening our voice within the association to drive growth and collaboration across the industry.”

MEADFA continues to expand its membership, with 72 members today. This growth highlights the efforts of the Membership Committee, led by Roger Jackson, in broadening the association’s reach, said MEADFA in a statement.

At the AGM, the Advocacy Committee, chaired by Rob Marriott, highlighted key accomplishments in 2024. These included involvement in the campaign to protect the duty-free sector led by the Duty Free World Council, collaboration with other regional organisations, and enhanced advocacy efforts. Looking ahead, the committee will prioritise strengthening regulatory engagement, promoting industry-friendly policies and fostering deeper partnerships with global and regional stakeholders, said MEADFA.

MEADFA’s Sustainability Committee, led by Dr. Munif Mohammed, aims to further support members in adopting sustainable practices. Recognising that addressing sustainability challenges requires a shift in mindset, from seeking competitive advantage to embracing collaborative advantage, the committee is driving initiatives aligned with broader ESG goals, said the association.

MEADFA’s statement concluded: “As MEADFA enters a new chapter of leadership, the association reaffirms its dedication to protecting and promoting the interests of the duty-free and travel retail industry. MEADFA remains committed to advocating for its members, ensuring their voices are heard, strengthening regional partnerships and driving industry progress in an ever-evolving global landscape.”