Caroline is a commercially driven leader with 15 years of experience in the spirits industry, spanning domestic markets and Global Travel Retail. Throughout her career at leading groups such as Brown-Forman and Bacardi-Martini, she has built a proven track record in driving profitable growth and leading strategic transformations—notably pioneering global super-premium initiatives and orchestrating regional go-to-market strategies. A dedicated advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion, Caroline served on the Steering Committee for Women in Travel Retail from 2022 to 2024.

She also held leadership roles as a Chapter Lead for both the "GROW" (Growing Real Opportunities for Women) and "Young Professionals" initiatives within Brown-Forman. She brings this dual perspective of commercial excellence and internal advocacy to the judging panel to help recognize the talent shaping the future of the travel retail sector."

A development economist by qualification, with research and work experience in Economic Growth and Development, Poverty Reduction and Structural Transformation | Experienced programme manager in Trade Policy, Private Sector Development, Regional Integration and Debt & Aid economics | Regulatory Affairs and Engagement strategist, focusing on enhancing conditions for doing business in an agile and conducive operating environment | Corporate Affairs and Communications Specialist in Global Travel Retail.

Milika joined Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Malawi in 2016 as the company’s Regulatory Affairs and Engagement Manager. In 2020, she moved to JTI’s HQ in Geneva as part of a newly created Agile Team, managing a diverse portfolio of Corporate Affairs disciplines spread across regulatory advocacy, sustainability, and external engagement. Milika then relocated to Dubai in 2023 as JTI’s Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager with the Global Travel Retail portfolio.

Milika has also served on the Board of the Middle East and Africa Duty-Free Association (MEADFA) since 2023. (Milika Kalyati | MEADFA). Before JTI, Milika held several positions within international organizations, primarily as a Trade & Development Economist with the European Commission, Delegation to Malawi, and with the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Network in Washington, DC. Milika holds a degree in Economics and Development Studies from the University of Wales, Swansea, UK, and a Master’s in International Economic Development from the University of Reading, UK

Isabelle Lim has over 20 years of experience with strong capabilities in innovation, strategy, corporate affairs including crisis and public affairs, stakeholder engagement, integrated campaigns and future-building across FMCG multi-national companies in beauty and hospitality.

A strong advocate for the Community, Women, People with disabilities, mentorship, and with long service award of over 20 years with young children, she has won numerous awards for her advocacy and passionate work over the years.

Frédéric Porchet is the General Manager of Nestlé International Travel Retail (NITR), overseeing Nestlé’s global duty-free retail business.

He joined Nestlé in 2004 as a Senior Product Manager in the Confectionery Business Unit in Switzerland and later went on to hold senior marketing and business development roles across confectionery and broader food categories. In these positions he led teams to achieve remarkable business results in diverse, challenging markets, gaining particular experience in China and Malaysia/Singapore.

A “veteran” of the travel retail sector, Mr. Porchet spent 2009 to 2014 in Nestlé’s Travel Retail division, where he held senior marketing and commercial positions that honed his expertise in the global travel retail industry. This international experience — combined with deep knowledge of confectionery — prepared him to assume leadership of NITR in 2024.

In his role as General Manager, Frédéric Porchet drives Nestlé’s strategy to grow its travel retail business worldwide, leveraging strong partnerships and innovation to strengthen Nestlé’s position in this key channel.

Joost leads Mondelēz International’s World Travel Retail business, overseeing a global portfolio of iconic brands across airports, border shops, cruise lines, and other duty-free and travel hubs. With 30 years of leadership experience in the FMCG sector, he has held senior roles in marketing, sales, strategy, and general management at Unilever, LEGO, Cadbury, and Mondelēz. Throughout his career, Joost has consistently delivered step changes in commercial performance, driven by strategic portfolio management, operational excellence, and cross-functional leadership. He is widely recognized for his ability to inspire high-performing teams and unlock category growth across diverse international markets.

Joost is reshaping the future of travel retail by championing a consumer-first approach—leveraging data, design, and strategic partnerships to elevate the confectionery experience. Under his leadership, retail spaces become storytelling platforms, turning impulse into loyalty and transactions into memorable brand moments. A passionate advocate for innovation and collaboration, Joost brings deep insight into the evolving landscape of global snacking and experiential retail. For him, travel retail is more than a point of sale—it’s a place for discovery, delight, and smart growth

Nina Semprecht is a senior communications leader, happily married and a proud mom of two.

As Director of Corporate Communications & External Affairs at Gebr. Heinemann, she specializes in executive advisory, strategic and crisis communication, advocacy work and reputation building. Since July 2023, Nina serves as Vice President PR & Communications on the Board of the European Travel Retail Confederation, passionately promoting and protecting not only Gebr. Heinemann but the entire duty free and travel retail industry.

Smruti Sriram OBE is CEO of Bags of Ethics, a global leader in sustainable merch and packaging. She champions responsible manufacturing, women’s empowerment, and eco-conscious design. Recognised by BBC and Veuve Clicquot, she was awarded an OBE in 2025 for services to fashion and impactful environmental and educational initiatives worldwide.

Franck Waechter is the Managing Director of the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), the leading global organization dedicated to the development of the travel retail industry. With a keen strategic vision, he guides TFWA in fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and ensuring the sector’s continued growth in an evolving global landscape. His leadership strengthens TFWA’s role as a dynamic force, supporting brands, retailers, and stakeholders across the industry. Before joining TFWA, Franck held senior executive positions at some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including L'Oréal, Givenchy, Guerlain, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, and Valmont. His extensive international career has taken him across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, China, and Taiwan, enriching his global perspective and expertise. A graduate of ESSEC Business School in France with a degree in business administration, Franck further honed his leadership skills through an executive development program at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland. Committed to fostering the next generation of business leaders, he remains actively involved with his alma mater and mentors students at ESSEC. Fluent in French, English, and German, he brings a multicultural approach to his work and leadership.

Nicola Wells is a senior commercial and marketing strategist with over 30 years of international experience across global retail, FMCG, and travel retail sectors. She has led strategic and cultural transformation programmes for leading brands including MARS, PepsiCo and Britvic Soft Drinks, Since 2011 she has specialised in Travel Retail sector where she spent 8 years as the Global Director of Strategy and Marketing at Aer Rianta International overseeing operations in 12 countries and where she was the first female member of the Executive team.

In 2018 Nicola set up U.S.P Consulting ( Unlocking Strategic Potential) where she has worked across industry organisations such as DFWC where she has led the content development of Certificate in Duty Free Travel Retail, brands such as Nestle International Travel Retail developing category and retailer strategy, regional and global travel retailers and developing non aero revenue strategies with airport owners. She also coaches individuals on strategy development and influencing skills and mentors female entrepreneurs in Ireland.  Her expertise spans shopper behaviour, segmentation, pricing, and portfolio strategy, with a proven record of driving growth across complex, high-value airport retail environments.

At KCG, Nicola advises clients on commercial strategy, marketing performance, and customer insight, helping travel retail and mixed-use developments enhance differentiation, profitability, and sustainable growth.