Phrederika is lucky to have enjoyed a career in five countries across financial and international organisations, super-tanker shipping, inner-city regeneration, scuba diving tourism, and roadside and travel retail. She has had the privilege to work with some truly incredible leaders. Never phased by a challenge, she has always been first to raise her hand to new opportunities, push boundaries, and take an innovative approach, always bringing whatever she learned to the next level. Travel Retail has been the perfect culmination of her passions and her past endeavours, and she is both honoured and proud of the projects realised with her colleagues and partners. She loves travelling and recognises that what they bring to their customers is truly valuable. Journey on!
What does this award mean to you personally and professionally?
I am delighted first of all to have been nominated; it’s the recognition of the effort my colleagues and I put into ensuring we meet the goals we have aligned on with our partners. I was especially honoured to be nominated by my predecessor, Tim Sargent, as well as by other colleagues. Delivering the best consumer journey is a joint effort by all the actors in our industry.
What has been the most defining moment or achievement in your career so far?
Being nominated and recognised by peers is certainly one of the proudest moments of my career. However, what I value most is having led projects that have transformed the customer experience and created lasting value for both partners and travellers. Beyond being nominated, to be a finalist in three sub-categories, and to be highly commended for an industry award is surely the pinnacle!
What advice would you give to women building a career in Travel Retail?
Be the first to put your hand up and trust in life. Keep an open mind and continue to evolve with the world around you.
What inspires or motivates you most in your leadership journey today?
I’ve been spoilt to be honest; I’ve worked with some incredible role models: Loucas and Sir Stelios Hadji-Ioanou at Troodos Shipping, Godfrey Bradman at Rosehaugh, Jacques Attali and Pierre Pissaloux at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Mark Caney at PADI, Hesham Gabr at Camel Dive Club, and Anna Coules at MRH Retail. Most recently, I have been totally inspired working with my current line manager, Philippe Moryl. His effortless balance between direction and empowerment; the sharing – the give and take – allowing each of us to run our show. It’s exactly the way that I like to interact with my colleagues; each of us has a view, a way, a suggestion, and the balance is the solution.
Your favourite inspirational quote
“Find a job you like and you add five days to every week.” — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Phrederika’s journey is a powerful reminder of the value of embracing new opportunities, remaining open to change, and bringing the lessons learned along the way into every new challenge. Her passion for travel retail, commitment to collaboration, and drive to create meaningful experiences for travellers make her a truly inspiring industry leader. From all of us at WiTR+, congratulations to Phrederika on this well-deserved recognition!
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