Claudio Ferreira was appointed VP, General Manager Global Travel Retail at Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in November 2022.
Based in Geneva, Claudio joined JTI in 2002 as Marketing Director for the Americas before taking on different roles in the Camel brand group. Later, he led Marketing & Sales in the Eastern Europe region, and from 2018, he successfully led JTI’s domestic operations in Brazil, before crossing over to the Global Travel Retail space.
Before joining JTI, Claudio held marketing leadership roles across various FMCG companies, bringing with him a wealth of global experience and cross-industry expertise gained from working in diverse markets around the world.
Renat Rozpravka is the Chief Executive Officer at Muscat Duty Free, a joint venture between Aer Rianta International Middle East (ARIME) and Oman Air. He brings over 15 years of global experience in retail and travel retail across multiple continents. Since joining the business in 2022, he has led a period of strong commercial growth and strategic renewal, driving double-digit performance, launching first-of-its-kind concepts across multiple categories, and enhancing the traveller experience through premium brand activations.
Renat’s international career spans Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania, with leadership roles at Marks & Spencer, DFS Group, and Dufry. His diverse portfolio includes operational responsibility across China, India, Australia, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and the UK, where he developed a reputation for blending strategic focus with frontline retail insight.
At the core of Renat’s leadership is a customer-first philosophy and a commitment to nurturing high-performing, empowered teams. He is passionate about curating experiences that elevate the travel retail proposition and creating enduring partnerships that benefit customers, brands, and airport stakeholders.
PRESENTATION
Amid geopolitical uncertainty and shifting market dynamics, the Middle East and Africa continue to stand out as regions of bold ambition and rapid evolution in travel retail. With the expansion of aviation infrastructure, a growing consumer class, and rising demand for differentiated experiences, the opportunity for transformation is immense. Yet success demands agility—from navigating regulatory complexities to rethinking the value proposition for a new generation of travelers. The opening session of this year’s MEADFA Conference will feature a powerhouse panel as Abdeslam Agzoul (Avolta), Nuno Amaral (ARI), Chichi Maponya (Africa Travel Retail), Jack MacGowan (Al Waha Duty Free Company), Vincent Romet (Lagardère Travel Retail), and Bernard Schlafstein (Gebr. Heinemann) share their views on leading through change.
As regulations tighten and economic pressures mount, the duty free and travel retail industry is coming under increased scrutiny. With policy shifts and evolving government priorities ahead of the MOP4 negotiations, the need for a unified, forward-looking response has never been more pressing. In this session, MEADFA Advocacy Committee Chair Nuno Amaral alongside DFWC President Sarah Branquinho and COMESA Business Council CEO Teddy Soobramanien, will discuss how advocacy efforts are adapting to meet today’s challenges. Moderated by John Rimmer, the panel will explore how the industry can amplify its voice, deepen collaboration, and shape a regulatory environment that supports the industry’s long-term growth.
PRESENTATION – SARAH BRANQUINHO
Amid global inflation and shifting consumer behaviors, airports are doubling down on non-aeronautical revenues to stay profitable. Ilia Lioutov, Head of Economics at ACI World, will present the latest economic outlook, highlighting trends impacting retail, F&B, and commercial services. As airports evolve into business ecosystems, this session explores how stakeholders can pivot strategies to seize new opportunities while weathering economic headwinds.
PRESENTATION
