Recently Diageo Global Travel concluded its popular series of evening discussions, ‘The Sunset Sessions’, at TFWA Cannes. It was a conversation exploring how diverse teams can grow stronger performance.

The panel, hosted by Martin Moodie founder of The Moodie Davitt Report included John Williams, Diageo Global Scotch director, Sarah Branquinho, women in travel retail and chief diversity; inclusion officer at Dufry, and Nandhini Srinivasan, category head of wines spirits, perfume, cosmetics at Flemingo Travel Retail Limited. It explored the important work still needed to build in broader inclusion and diversity within the travel retail industry.

The main focus of the panel was around how inclusion and diversity can build stronger performance for both the individual and the business. Diverse teams are creative and representative of the traveller. John Williams, Diageo Global Scotch Director, said: “Diverse teams are more productive, more creative and better at solving problems – this leads to higher performance for everyone. As a global business in 180 markets with more than that in brands, we are reaching out to consumers of different backgrounds, cultures, shapes and sizes across the world. The only way to do that well and make the connections we need is with diverse teams.”

Sarah Branquinho, Women in Travel Retail and Chief Diversity; Inclusion Officer, Dufry, said: “As an industry we need to consider how we can promote change to create opportunities for individuals to progress regardless of gender, colour, ethnicity and more, and just as crucially, how we develop an inclusive culture that enables diversity to thrive.” Yesterday evening’s Sunset Session concluded the engaging series of panel discussions Diageo Global Travel held in partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report at Beach Village 1 at Majestic Beach Bar.

TFWA visitors can continue to visit Diageo’s exhibition space and bar at the Beach Village, Majestic Beach until Thursday 6 October 2022.