Leadership, Diversity & Impact: The WiTR+ Way. Sarah Branquinho and Gerry Munday Interviewed.
5 minutes read
Introduction by: Peter Marshall
As travel retail reshapes itself in an increasingly digital world, one network is ensuring women remain at the heart of that transformation. Women in Travel Retail (WiTR+) is more than a community – it’s a catalyst for leadership, opportunity, and positive change.
From driving diversity in boardrooms to funding life-changing projects for women and children worldwide, WiTR+ blends global reach with grassroots impact. In this exclusive Q&A, TRunblocked.com’s Colleen Morgan speaks with WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho and Vice Chair Gerry Munday on how the group is adapting, expanding, and inspiring the next generation to thrive.
Colleen Morgan (CM): How do you see Women in Travel Retail (WiTR+) evolving to meet the needs of a changing duty free and travel retail industry over the next five years?
Sarah Branquinho (SB): WiTR+’s strength lies in the global reach of our network. We continue to welcome individual members and encourage companies to support women through Corporate Partnerships.
At webinars and in-person events, members hear from industry leaders living the changes and sharing their insights.
WiTR recently became WiTR+, recognising the men in the industry who support our mission – the next step is expanding our social media presence. Both developments came from listening to members and I have no doubt we’ll keep evolving to meet their needs.
CM: Is WiTR more relevant today than ever, given the focus on gender equity, leadership diversity, and post-pandemic rebuilding?
SB: Absolutely. We’ve long advocated for diversity and equity in hiring. The current focus simply gives official recognition to what we’ve championed for years. Encouragingly, we’re seeing more women in leadership and even relocating internationally with their families.
That said, outdated attitudes remain. Women are still sometimes overlooked for projects where it’s assumed a man has more time to commit, despite women’s proven ability to juggle home and work. Fortunately, many women leaders in WiTR+ inspire others to reach their potential. Our mentoring programme — free to all women members, with male and female mentors — is receiving excellent feedback.
CM: As travel retail becomes more digitally driven, how is WiTR maintaining its impact as a community historically built on face-to-face networking?
SB: Face-to-face networking remains one of our most valued benefits, as shown by a recent member survey, event feedback, and the volume of chatter at events! But we’ve also embraced digital. With The Bluedog Group, we redesigned our website; with Essential Communications, we boosted LinkedIn activity – both seeing strong growth. We’re also reviving Instagram, so expect more from us online.
CM: WiTR’s charitable work is central to its identity. Should it evolve to better align with broader ESG priorities?
Gerry Munday (GM): WiTR+’s charitable focus has always been firmly fixed on women, and on children, and that will not change. Our guidelines are very clear: each annual charity project has to have a tangible and measurable outcome.
Members nominate charities with specific projects, and vote on the year’s beneficiary. We’ve succeeded in funding transport for school and medical visits, and built homes and classrooms.
We aim to raise €15,000 annually and have met or exceeded it every year, thanks to company generosity, despite a drop in individual giving. We’ve made donating easier with online payments.
CM: What has been the real-world impact of WiTR’s charity partnerships?
GM: Over the years we’ve raised over €300,000. In our industry we recognize how very fortunate we all are; and we believe in helping those with fewer opportunities.
Our 2025 charity, Toutes à l’Ecole in Cambodia, supports 400 girls pursuing higher education. With a 100% pass rate, many go on to study medicine, engineering, law, and more, yet their dormitories suffer from damp and mould. We aim to renovate them, improving living and study conditions.
As in past projects, WiTR+ can make a lasting impact.
CM: How can WiTR remain inclusive for all career stages, not just established professionals?
SB: Our £25 membership fee – less than a manicure – ensures affordability, even for newcomers. As a non-profit, we reinvest in member services, not profit. Our Corporate Partnership scheme offers 40 memberships for £1,000 with no premium – it’s about growth, not revenue.
WiTR+ is for all women in travel retail, at every level.
CM: What more can WiTR do to push for change in companies – like more women in senior roles or inclusive hiring?
SB: As a volunteer-run organisation, we can’t directly approach HR departments, but our platform – amplified by trade media and member advocacy – helps drive change. We are seeing more women in senior roles.
One of our webinars next year will cover crafting effective CVs and applications in the era of AI.
I also want to thank our Steering Committee members: Laure Letaillieur (Brown-Forman); Myriem Chalabi (TFWA); Mona Al Ali (Dubai Duty Free); Nicole Foo (Changi Airport Group); Rowena Holland (Essential Communications); Gina Kothari (Diageo); Mona Lebrasseur (TFWA); Erin Lillis (Lacoste); Saskia Moeller (Gebr. Heinemann); Lois Pasternak (Travel Markets Insider) and Jessica McGratty-Singer (assistant to WiTR+).
CM: WiTR recently introduced corporate membership options. What role do corporate members play, and how do companies benefit?
SB: We are extremely grateful to our Corporate Partners who have helped us grow faster than individual recruitment alone and encourage their teams to participate. They’ve provided event speakers, venues, and even refreshments.
Members say networking and speaker insights broaden their horizons and boost confidence. Collaboration between companies on events also fosters new business relationships. Supporting women through WiTR+ sends a clear, positive message internally and externally.
CM: WiTR’s mentorship programme supports the next generation of women in the industry. What impact has it had, and how might it grow?
SB: While hard to quantify, participation keeps growing, and feedback is excellent. The ever-growing participation rates, and the notes we receive about how great the networking, mentoring and sharing of knowledge are, perhaps speak for themselves.
“What I love the most is that it provides a safe place where I can connect with like-minded women who share a passion for the travel retail industry. This community offers a supportive network where we can exchange ideas, learn from one another, and grow both personally and professionally.” Judit Balardi, Pernod Ricard
“This community has offered more than just networking opportunities – it connected me with an incredible community of women – from emerging talent to senior leaders – across brands, retailers, and regions. What makes this network especially meaningful is the unique space it creates for women in a fast-paced, often male-dominated industry. It offers a rare sense of support, openness, and shared ambition—where collaboration thrives and new perspectives are welcomed.” Noelle Goris, La Prairie
“WiTR+ is, on the one hand, the perfect complement to the everyday work of our female colleagues and, on the other, a valuable interface in the travel retail business. The opportunities for global networking, exchange and empowerment characterise the association’s work in a special way.” Saskia Möller, Gebr.Heinemann
“Through WiTR+, I have witnessed the profound impact of collaboration among professionals who are dedicated to not only advancing their careers but also equally passionate about making a positive impact in our industry.” Susana Hueso, Lindt
For young women starting out in the industry, WiTR+ provides a rich network of women at all levels in our industry, who are willing to share their stories and experiences.
It’s a safe space to ask questions and get advice. Our mentoring scheme is an opportunity to access coaching from some of the industry’s most seasoned and respected individuals. We hope that the young women starting out today will in turn have the commitment and passion to encourage those who follow in their footsteps.
