TFWA managing director departs
Franck Waechter has left the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), with a replacement to be named in ‘due course’.
TFWA president, Sarah Branquinho, said in a statement confirming Waechter’s departure: “TFWA thanks Franck for his time with the association and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.
“TFWA’s strategic priorities remain unchanged as it builds on its heritage as the industry’s leading platform, developing and adapting to ensure that it continues to deliver value for its members, and for the duty free and travel retail industry as a whole.
“We are confident in the strength and experience of TFWA’s team to continue implementing TFWA’s plans; an announcement on the future leadership of the permanent staff will be made in due course.”
The Spirits Business has contacted TFWA on the reason for his exit.
Waechter, a French national, stepped into the managing director (MD) role at TFWA in November 2023, following experience in duty free and travel retail at companies such as L’Oréal, Givenchy, Guerlain, and Champagne Laurent-Perrier.
Waechter recently spoke of the association’s 2026 Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, held in Singapore in May, where he said: “The conversations were dynamic, insightful and interactive, reflecting an industry eager to exchange ideas and embrace innovation.”
TFWA Asia Pacific welcomed 2,814 visitors and 200 exhibitors.
TFWA’s annual World Exhibition & Conference will be held from 27 September to 1 October 2026 in Cannes, France.
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