Leadership changes at Edrington Global Travel Retail

Edrington Global Travel Retail (GTR) has confirmed a number of changes to its senior leadership team, across both its marketing and commercial departments.

Alessandro Felicani is set to take on the role as marketing director, having most recently led brand strategy and development for Shiseido-owned beauty brands NARS Sand Drunk Elephant.

Based in Singapore, Felicani will oversee marketing strategy in GTR across Edrington’s ultra-premium spirits portfolio, with a focus on The Macallan’s position in the channel.

Speaking on his appointment, Felicani said: “As a passionate luxury brand builder I’m excited to play my part in The Macallan’s ongoing premiumisation journey in the dynamic travel retail channel. Across every touchpoint with shoppers – from instore to offline – we are looking to elevate the experience we deliver, recruiting new consumers into the luxury spirits category and strengthening The Macallan’s leadership.”

Also joining the team in Singapore as commercial director is Wilcy Wong. Wong has spent the last 15 years at DFS, overseeing the establishment and growth of DFS Four Seasons and City of Dreams Gallerias, while also managing DFS tenders for Singapore Changi and other airports worldwide.

The new position will see Wong responsible for all of Edrington GTR’s commercial functions, replacing Helen Wong has been promoted to managing director at Edrington Taiwan.

Wilcy Wong said on her new role: “This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining the Edrington Global Travel Retail team, with The Macallan’s leadership in luxury spirits going from strength to strength. Partnership lies at the heart of our strategy to create value and drive growth, and I look forward to working with our retail customers to deliver on this vision.”

Jeremy Speirs, regional managing director for Edrington GTR, added: : “As we continue to strengthen The Macallan’s luxury credentials in travel retail I’m delighted to welcome Wilcy and Alessandro to the Edrington Global Travel Retail team, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and insight. 

“Wilcy has a strong understanding of the commercial dynamics in travel retail, framed through a luxury lens. With partnership a key pillar of our strategy, Wilcy’s experience with one of travel retail’s leading luxury retailers will give us new perspective on how we can partner more effectively.

“Alessandro’s deep experience in the beauty industry will bring a fresh frame of reference to our marketing program and premiumisation efforts. His understanding of luxury brand building, particularly with Asian consumers, positions him perfectly to drive our next wave of consumer recruitment and brand activation, with a strong emphasis on our digitalisation journey and shopper insights.”

26 January 2023 - Bradley Weir