Head of Retail and Luxury

Head of Travel Retail and Luxury, Airports

The Head of Travel Retail and Luxury, Airports is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic development, commercial performance, and operational excellence of all duty‑free and retail concessions across AD Airports. The role focuses on maximizing non‑aeronautical retail revenues while delivering a world‑class passenger shopping experience aligned with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global aviation and travel hub.

The role holder will lead concept innovation, manage concessionaire partnerships, optimize the retail portfolio, and drive retail excellence across multiple business lines. This position ensures strong commercial returns while enhancing ADA’s brand reputation for luxury, convenience, and exceptional service.

• Define and execute the travel retail strategy in alignment with ADA’s commercial strategy and corporate objectives.
• Manage the overall travel retail budget, including planning, allocation, monitoring, and performance assessment to achieve financial targets.
• Develop and maintain a long‑term airport retail masterplan covering passenger segmentation, premiumization, category mix, and integration of local and sustainable brands.
• Identify and implement initiatives to increase spend per passenger (SPP) and overall retail revenues.
• Lead commercial negotiations with global and regional retail concessionaires across duty‑free, luxury, fashion, electronics, and specialty retail categories.
• Develop and implement concession and operating models, including minimum guarantees, revenue‑sharing agreements, joint ventures, and management contracts.
• Oversee the selection, onboarding, and ongoing performance management of retail partners to ensure compliance with ADA service standards and brand positioning.
• Monitor global airport retail trends, passenger consumption behavior, and competitive benchmarks to maintain market‑leading positioning.
• Ensure seamless integration of retail operations with passenger flows, terminal design, and airport operations.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for partners, vendors, and internal teams covering sales performance, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive digital retail innovation, including e‑commerce platforms, loyalty programs, and data‑driven marketing initiatives.
• Oversee planning, development, and refurbishment of retail outlets, including Cap Ex approvals, ROI analysis, and design oversight.
• Guide retail design, branding, and construction to create premium, passenger‑centric environments aligned with ADA’s luxury positioning.
• Champion sustainability, ESG initiatives, and the integration of local brands across all retail developments.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high‑performance culture with clear accountability.
• Support Emiratization initiatives by mentoring and developing Emirati talent.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in retail, travel retail, or airport commercial management.
• At least 7 years in senior leadership roles managing complex, multi‑site retail portfolios.
• Experience with in airports, aviation, or large‑scale transport hubs is highly desirable.

• Proven track record in managing airport travel retail or luxury retail operations across multiple locations.
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated success in high‑value negotiations with international brands and concessionaires.
• Deep understanding of global passenger trends, luxury retail dynamics, and Middle Eastern retail markets.
• Strategic thinking with strong financial, analytical, and ROI‑driven decision‑making capabilities.
• Leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams, manage stakeholders, and drive organizational performance.
• Strong understanding of sustainability, ESG frameworks, and local brand integration within retail environments.