Colm McLoughlin – Tributes
The travel retail community honours an industry statesman
We share a selection of the many tributes that poured in to The Moodie Davitt Report to mark the announcement of Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Colm McLoughlin’s retirement. We also feature selected images from his memorable career.
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie
To think I have been covering this industry for 37 years and Colm has been an ever-present leader in each and every one. It humbles me to know I have been so close to him for so many years and have been able to chronicle his remarkable story and that of the company he has shaped and led with such distinction. It inspires me, especially when the going gets tough, to see a leader still so dynamic, people-centric and wholly committed to the dual cause of his company and his business sector. Colm is quite simply one of the great human beings. And in travel retail terms, simply a giant among men and women.
Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Thabet Musleh
Colm has been an inspiration, and a role model for us all. What he has achieved and what he stands for serves as a shining light for our industry to build on. He has been a true pioneer, and one never forgets the first. A fine retailer and an even finer human being, Colm’s contribution to our industry will ensure that I, alongside other new torchbearers for travel retail execellence, drive sector standards to previously unimaginable heights.
Regent Travel Retail Founder & CEO Jose Maria (Chim) Esteban
A giant of our industry. Someone who has inspired my 34-year journey in our industry. A true living legend.
Former Abu Dhabi Duty Free Managing Director Mohamed Mounib
Dubai Duty Free with Colm leading it has not just achieved the success it enjoys today, but also created an environment since the early 1980s for the duty free industry in the region to follow in their footsteps. I wish Colm and Breeda a peaceful transition and prosperity and happiness in the coming years.
Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin with (right) Ramesh Cidambi and (left) Salah Tahlak as the company marked its 40th anniversary in December 2023
Kreol Group CEO Lal Arakulath
Dear Colm. Dubai has taught us many things. You have taught us travel retail. We will miss you. Best wishes.
Colm discusses 40 years of progress with TV presenter Katie Overy in late 2023
WHSmith Retail Managing Director International EMEI Gavin Wood
What a legend who will leave a massive legacy in the travel retail business. A remarkable career.
With senior management as Colm accepts a Lifetime Achievement Award from MEADFA
Harding+ Senior VP Patrick Molloy
What an amazing career. A true pioneer in every sense. Congratulations Colm and enjoy a thoroughly well-deserved retirement.
Saluting Colm as he celebrates 50 years in the duty-free industry in 2019
Duty Free Global Founder & Commercial Director Barry Geoghegan
What a stellar career Colm. The place will never be the same without you. We know you won’t be a stranger and we look forward to spending time with you in your well-earned retirement. Thank you for all you do for all people from all cultures. A true gentleman and the most deserving of the term ‘legend’ in global travel retail. Maith an fear Colm! Regards to Breeda. Best of luck to Ramesh and Salah in your exciting new roles.
With wife Breeda, friends and industry colleagues at the 25th Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup
Chabot Armagnac Managing Director Catherine Bonelli
The travel retail industry will never be the same without you Colm! Congratulations for your amazing career, and I wish you and Breeda to enjoy your well-deserved retirement. Congratulations to Ramesh and Salah.
Officiating at the inauguration of the largest Apple store in travel retail in 2016
Chapel Down Group CEO Andrew Carter
Colm, congratulations on your distinguished career. A true legend of the global travel retail industry who commands respect and gratitude beyond any other. I wish you and Breeda a wonderful retirement with the family. Congratulations to Ramesh and Salah, what better leaders to build on your legacy?
Celebrating with Dubai Duty Free Irish Open winner Soren Kjeldsen in 2015
Augustinus Bader Consultant Roshana Dev
A true leader who made Dubai Duty Free what it is today. Valued and respected all the employees, a great inspiration for all of us. So glad I had the opportunity to work under his leadership. Happy retirement!
Marking the expansion of The Irish Village with Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2014
Truebell Trading and Marketing UAE Peter Hinde
Good luck and God speed Colm; thank you for all your friendship and support over the years.
Accepting the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award from Irish President Michael D Higgins while Taoiseach Enda Kenny looks on in 2014
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Shift Supervisor Syed Esmail
A legend and a wonderful, great leader.
With the late Her Majesty The Queen at Newbury Racecourse in 2012, alongside Salah Tahlak and Sinead el Sibai
Balanceher Owner Roula Makhoul
A huge legacy indeed. Colm has embedded a unique culture of caring, belonging and loyalty among DDF personnel, suppliers and beyond, demonstrating true ‘tone from the top’ which contributed to great success. He is a true gentleman. Wishing Colm and Breeda all the best. Congratulations to Ramesh and Salah on your new roles!
MPC Global Director Peter Sant
Congratulations Colm, on a career marked by excellence and integrity. You will be deeply missed, but your impact will resonate for years to come. Thank you for your incredible service to our duty free industry. Now’s the time to enjoy your well-deserved retirement and spend more time with Breeda and your family. Congratulations to Ramesh and Salah.
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The Moodie Davitt eZine
Issue 334 | 12 May 2024
The Moodie Davitt eZine is published 14 times per year by The Moodie Davitt Report (Moodie International Ltd). © All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the Publisher. To find out more visit www.moodiedavittreport.com and to subscribe, please e-mail kristyn@moodiedavittreport.com