Ferne leaves Brown-Forman: UPDATED

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A strategic review sees Ferne leave Brown-Forman after six and a half years

Well-known and much respected industry figure Richard Ferne is to leave his post as Brown-Forman's business development director for duty-free and travel-retail in the Americas and Middle East, effective August 16.

The company said that the role had been eliminated as the result of a 'strategic resource business review'.

Brown-Forman Global Duty Free vice-president Patrick Moran said: "For the past six and a half years Richard Ferne has been a tireless promoter of Brown-Forman Duty Free and our many fine products as well as a high-profile ambassador for the duty-free industry. Regrettably, there are sometimes difficult but necessary business decisions and this is clearly one of those instances."

Ferne said he had enjoyed his time at Brown-Forman and forged many strong friendships and an appreciation for the company's brands and heritage. He added that he was looking forward to seeking new and challenging opportunities in the business world.

Ferne told TRW that he intended staying in the duty-free business. His email from mid-August will be rafferne@insightbb.com.

Following the Brown-Forman announcement, Tax Free World Association said Ferne will also be stepping down also from the TFWA Board and Management Committee.

The association said: "Ferne has made a major contribution to the development of TFWA and the duty-free industry since he joined the Management Committee twelve years ago, initially representing Allied Distillers. He joined the Board two years ago as vice-president Asia Pacific, later taking on the mantle of vice-president corporate.

"During his tenure Ferne played an important role in the development of TFWA's strategy in Asia and the TFWA Asia Pacific show; and he has been a worthy representative of the liquor sector on the Management Committee.  Richard Ferne has also been a key driver in the development of the Duty Free World Council."

TFWA president Erik Juul-Mortensen added: "Richard's departure will be a great loss to the Association. He has been an energetic and charismatic champion of the global travel-retail and duty-free industry for many years, and his contribution and commitment to TFWA and through that to the industry has been immense.  Richard has been a highly valued member of the Board and Management Committee, where his opinion and contribution have always been highly appreciated.  We wish him all the best in the future."