Alpha Retail creates new Asia-Middle East unit

Print Article E-Mail Article

Alpha Retail has confirmed its commitment to the expansion of its airport retail presence in the Indian and Asian region, with a strengthened international management team.

The company has established a new strategic business unit to handle existing business throughout Asia and the Middle East, and pursue airport retail opportunities across the region. The changes come as Alpha prepares for the opening of its duty-free shops at the newly-constructed Cochin airport, the first of its kind in India, in a rapidly growing destination in the coastal state of Kerala.

Managing director of the new strategic business unit covering Asia and the Middle East is Paul Topping, who also retains overall responsibility for international business development. Topping commented: "I am delighted to announce these developments which signify our commitment to international growth and position us to become one of the leading players in the region."

Former business development controller with Alpha, Martin Petchey, has been appointed international director. Working closely with the global buying team, he is now accountable for product offerings and trading terms within the Asian region. In addition, he will continue to identify and pursue new international airport retail opportunities.

Former finance director of Alpha's On Board Sales and Services division, Steve Lane will also strengthen Alpha's presence in Asia. As the unit's new commercial director, he will be based in Sri Lanka, responsible for all commercial activity, including financial and legal issues across the Asia region.

Neil McLeod continues as general manager and director of Alpha's Orient Lanka duty- and tax-free outlets at Colombo airport and the downtown shop and distribution company. As a locally based key member of the new strategic business unit, he assumes additional responsibility for business development in Asia.

Paul Marks, who joined Alpha last year, has been appointed general manager of the new Cochin airport shops. He will also play an important role in Alpha's regional development programme in India and Middle East, one of the many areas where he gained experience with Toys R Us. Ruby Bahl continues as general manager of inflight retail in India, based in Bombay.

To complete the new strategic team, Alpha are now seeking an Asian-based regional buying and marketing controller to work closely with the team and reporting to Martin Petchey.