Natasha-Leanne Ghafur, UK Logistics Director, Avolta

Natasha-Leanne is a results-driven Logistics Director with extensive experience, previously in retail operations. She specialises in driving operational excellence, capacity optimisation, and process improvement across complex environments. Natasha-Leanne has a strong track record of delivering strategic initiatives, including infrastructure expansion and system enhancements, to support business growth and efficiency.

Natasha-Leanne Ghafur

Natasha-Leanne is a results-driven Logistics Director with extensive experience, previously in retail operations. She specialises in driving operational excellence, capacity optimisation, and process improvement across complex environments. Natasha-Leanne has a strong track record of delivering strategic initiatives, including infrastructure expansion and system enhancements, to support business growth and efficiency. A passionate people leader, Natasha-Leanne is committed to building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She invests in talent development and creates an environment where individuals are empowered to succeed and deliver their best. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she works cross-functionally to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and maintain exceptional performance standards. Natasha-Leanne combines analytical insight with practical execution to achieve the best results.

Inspiration

Right after being awarded for EXCELLENCE IN OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP at the DFNI Awards in Singapore, we caught her for a little chat to tell us more about her inspirations.

What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?

Personally it’s really special, I messaged my daughter and her reply was simply magic, “Congratulations, super proud” She makes me proud every day, I have worked all her life and hoped that would inspire her to work hard for her dreams, I had never thought she might just be proud of me and what I achieve too.

Professionally, simply being nominated alongside such an incredible field of industry experts was a real honour. Winning feels genuinely extraordinary and having my passion for travel retail recognised at this level means so much to me — it’s a moment I’m incredibly proud of.

What has been the most defining moment or achievement in your career so far?

A defining moment in my career was leading the launch of the Ferries operation for World Duty Free. This was a completely new business model for the organisation, requiring me to step outside of the traditional airport environment and build something from the ground up. It challenged me to quickly understand a different operational landscape, establish new ways of working, and build strong relationships across stakeholders.

What advice would you give to women building a career in Travel Retail?

Always be your best self. Every step forward you take, you’re becoming someone else’s inspiration — so own that responsibility. Back yourself, push forward, and never limit what you or others can achieve, because that’s what holds everyone back. It’s a journey, enjoy!

What inspires or motivates you most in your leadership journey today?

I’m motivated by creating a strong, positive culture and seeing real results come from it. I genuinely enjoy getting out of bed each day with the mindset of being better than I was yesterday and helping my team do the same.

Your favourite inspirational quote

“She rose by lifting others.”

At Women in Travel Retail, we are delighted to celebrate Natasha-Leanne and the leadership, determination and commitment to others that have shaped her career.

Her story is a wonderful reminder that leadership is not only about delivering results, but about creating an environment where others can grow, succeed and become an inspiration themselves. And perhaps there is no better reflection of that than her favourite quote: “She rose by lifting others.”

Congratulations, Natasha-Leanne, on this very well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing where your journey in Travel Retail takes you next.

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