Sunil Tuli, group CEO of King Power Group (Hong Kong) has taken over the presidency of  Aptra (Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association) after the resignation of Grant Fleming. 

Fleming is leaving the industry – and his role as head of strategic development – Asia at Lagardère Travel Retail – to take up a new position outside the industry in May. 

Sunil Tuli was a founding board member of Aptra and held the position of president for three terms from 2007 until 2013.

He paid tribute to Fleming for his leadership since May last year, especially during the “unprecedented challenges of the last three months”. 

“Grant has spearheaded Aptra’s campaign across Asia Pacific, making a powerful case for the vital role travel retail plays in the wider economy in terms of employment and contribution to GDP. His drive has focused on gaining government commitment to include travel retail in financial support packages, engaging valuable news media across the region and galvanising greater involvement from Aptra members, such as equipping them with the tools to target governments directly.”

Sunil Tuli said there has never been a more critical time for the travel-retail industry. 

Fleming said that despite the current crisis, Asia Pacific is “the most dynamic region in this industry” and he has every faith in its potential to recover and grow even stronger, post pandemic. 

“In these tough times, I want to encourage all businesses in travel retail to be more actively involved in the campaign right now. I believe the unique, collective view and commitment of independent associations such as Aptra, and our sister associations around the world, acting for all aspects of the industry, are essential. Now is the time to support the industry; your individual actions and responses will be all the stronger for sharing expertise and working together.”