WDF founder joins Harding Brothers

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BAA veteran Barry Gibson is to lend his experience to the expanding cruise concessionaire

UK cruise retail specialist Harding Brothers has appointed industry veteran Barry Gibson as the chairman of its board of directors. Gibson brings to the position many years of experience in the travel-retail market, including nine years as retail director at BAA where he was responsible for the formation of its dedicated retail division World Duty Free.

Said Harding Brothers managing director Neil Harding: ?[The appointment] speaks volumes for how far the company has come in the last couple of years, and for how much further growth remains open to us if we plan and execute it properly. Barry has already added huge value to us with his wealth of experience and contacts and this contribution I know will grow substantially over the forthcoming years.?

?This is a very exciting time in the development of the company,? added Gibson. ?The initial success of the Queen Mary 2 retail contract, added to the 28 ships that we operate, has given a substantial lift to the profile and commercial success of the Harding business. It has a tremendous focus on, and understanding of, the cruise-based environment and plenty of growth opportunities for the business to go after.?

Gibson will continue to serve as non-executive director of National Express Group, William Hill and as chairman of duty-free distributor Genesis Distribution.

Harding Brothers operates retail concessions with several cruise lines including Cunard ? in particular its new flagship Queen Mary 2 - P&O, Seabourn and Fred Olsen.