Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland welcomes new leadership team
Lagardère Travel Retail has announced the formation of a new leadership team, underscoring the company’s investment and confidence in the UK and Ireland markets.
“This strategic move aims to accelerate our growth plans and enhance our position as a leading travel retail operator,” the company said in a statement.
“This move strengthens our executive community with industry experts, aimed at ensuring sustainable and continuous growth in both operations and the company. The new leadership team will drive business growth and support talent development within the organization.”
Peter Newbould, CEO: With more than 25 years of experience in retail and travel retail, including a decade in international leadership roles at WHSmith, Newbould has successfully served as Managing Director and Senior Vice President for the airport electronics and travel accessories brand InMotion, and moved to Harding+ as Chief Commercial Officer. Known for his visionary leadership and deep industry expertise, Newbould will lead the Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland.
Erika Baranscher, F&B Director: Baranscher graduated from the Hotel Management School in Hannover and brings over 25 years of experience in retail, contract catering, hotels, and restaurants. Prior to joining Lagardère Travel Retail in February 2024, she spent five years with Aramark and Avoca. Her innovative approach and passion for excellence will elevate the company’s dining experiences in the UK & Ireland.
Gail Downing, HR Director: Downing has held several Senior HR Roles across multiple Industries and brands, including Matchesfashion, Pandora and HSBC. She holds an MBA and is a chartered Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (FCIPD). Her strategic insights and commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture are invaluable assets.
Tim Ward, Retail Director: After significant experience at London City Airport for nine years and as retail manager at McArthurGlen Group, Ward joins Tim joins Lagardère Travel Retail to spearhead retail operations, driving customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Etienne Leutenegger, IT Director: Leutenegger joined Lagardère Travel Retail in 2008 at the Paris HQ and has accumulated over 15 years of experience in travel retail. He contributed to the expansion of the group, participating in the opening of various stores in countries like the Czech Republic, Spain, UK, and Ireland with concepts like Aelia Duty Free, Relay, Watermark, the Fashion Place, and Eye Love. In 2012, Leutenegger became a part of the management team in the UK and Ireland.
Liam Grundy, Commercial Director: Grundy joined Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland in 2022 after spending a decade with Manchester Airport Group in a variety of operational and commercial roles. During his time there, he contributed to the redevelopment of London Stansted Airport and played a key role in the growth of MAG USA. In this role, he successfully secured premium services such as lounges and commercial parking. His strategic expertise will be invaluable in shaping our commercial and growth strategies.
Michael Attali, Finance Director: Attali has been with Lagardère since 2016. Firstly, he served as an International Business Partner, overseeing Poland and North America before relocating to the US in 2019 to assume the role of Finance Director for special projects at Paradies Lagardère. He was involved in the M&A core team for two major dining acquisitions: HBF and, more recently, TOTF. Prior to joining LTR, Attali spent six years in Audit and Advisory at EY in Paris after graduating from a French business school.