Middle East/Africa. The Middle East and Africa Tax-Free Association (MEADFA) has elected two-year Arimid East CEO Rob Marriott as president. He is in the role on behalf of Sherif Toulan, CEO of IDF Trading & Agency.
A new Meadfa Committee was also formed following the annual meeting of members held in Dubai on March 25th.
Alongside the Marriott, executives include Avolta CEO Abdeslam Agzur (Vice President), Aphrodite CEO and Chairman Karl Rafael (Secretary-General), and Dubai Tax-Free Vice President – Finance (Retail & Leisure) Dr. Includes BernardCreed (Treasurer).
The board members are:
Isaias Diazgebr, General Manager of Africa Travel Retailer and Executive Chairman, Chichi Maponadu Freemarock. Heinemann Sales Director Middle East & Africa Bernard Schrafstein India Trading and Agent
Additionally, affiliate members selected the following category representatives to serve on the board:
Concepts Global Sales Director Travel Retail & Tax-Free Free Mazen Kadura Confectionery Category Kadura International Corporate Issues & Communications Manager Global Travel Retail Mirikakati Tobacco Sector Organico Solutions (SEVA Group) Managing Director Roger Jackson Managing Director Roger Jackson
“It is a privilege to lead Meadfa at this crucial time for the industry. It will focus on enhancing cooperation among stakeholders, promoting meaningful innovation and ensuring that the voices of travel retail in the Middle East and Africa are represented,” said newly elected President Rob Marriott.
Retiring President Sherif Turan said: “It was an incredible honor to serve as President of Meadfa in two consecutive terms. Over the past four years we have faced challenges, embraced new opportunities and strengthened our industry positions in the Middle East and Africa.
“We are proud of what we have achieved together and are totally confident that our new leadership will continue to advance the Association with the same passion and commitment.”
Vice President Abdeslam Agzur said: “Meadfa has long been a cornerstone of driving industry interests and we are honored to take on this new role. We look forward to supporting Meadfa's initiative, working closely with the new board and executives, and contributing to the continued success and growth of the associations across the region.”
Roger Jackson, who represents the bar seating on the board, added: “I am truly honored to be re-elected to the Meadfa Committee, representing the liquor travel retail industry, and it is a privilege to work with dedicated experts who will shape the future of duty-free life in the Middle East and Africa.
Milika Kalyati, who represents the cigarette seating, said: “We are honored to continue serving the Meadfa Committee for a second period representing the tobacco category, and have made great strides over the past few years in addressing industry challenges and promoting collaboration.
Magen Kadura, who represents the confectionery category at the board level, added: “We are honored to represent the MEADFA Board Confectionery Member category from 2025 to 2027. We appreciate the trust of our members. Collaboration across the industry.”
Today, Meadfa continues to expand its membership with 72 members. This growth underscores the efforts of the Membership Committee, led by Roger Jackson.
At AGM, the Advocacy Committee, chaired by Rob Marriott, highlighted important achievements in 2024. These included involvement in a campaign to protect the tax-free sector led by the Tax-Free World Council, collaboration with other local organizations, and strengthening advocacy efforts. The committee will prioritize strengthening regulatory involvement, promoting industry-friendly policies and fostering deeper partnerships with global and local stakeholders, Meadfa said.
The Meadfa Sustainability Committee led by Dr. Munif Mohammed aims to further support its members in the adoption of sustainable practices. Recognizing that tackling sustainability challenges requires a change in mindset, from seeking competitive advantages to embracing cooperative benefits, the committee is pushing initiatives in line with broader ESG goals, the association said.
Meadfa's statement concluded: “As Meadfa enters a new chapter in leadership, the association reaffirms its commitment to protecting and promoting tax-free and travel retail interests. Meadfa is committed to defending its members, strengthening local partnerships, strengthening local partnerships, and strengthening regional partnership progress in global landscapes.” ✈
