KEITH HUNTER

Keith co-founded Hunter Palmer - Global Retail Solutions to help fill the void he felt existed in the travel retail marketplace: access to a consultancy that offers practical retail solutions on the ground, in person, at any stage of development, enabling the doers as much as the thinkers.

Growing up as an expat, he started work on the shop floor in the UK aged 18 and has gained over 25 years’ experience in retail. Keith has always believed in the importance of getting your hands dirty and understanding the day-to-day issues. He looks to combine the best of old-school values with exciting new opportunities in his Retail Directorship roles at home and abroad.

Most recently, as Senior Vice President of Qatar Duty Free for Qatar Airways, Keith spearheaded the Hamad International Airport retail project, designing the strategy and mix and all elements of development, through to the opening and operation of HIA in May 2014, a world-class multi-billion-dollar international hub, with over 40,000 sqm of retail and F&B space. Also responsible for the In-Flight retail, concessions and the airport advertising programme (IMS), he directed the launch of multiple new home-grown concepts and, outside the airport, outlets in hotels and at the seaport.

Under his leadership, Qatar Duty Free was ranked fifth in the world by SKYTRAX after less than two years in operation at Hamad International Airport and won Global Travel Retailer three years in a row.

With a consistent track record in delivering year-on-year profit growth, Keith is a seasoned negotiator and specialises in making retail successful and exciting.

Keith has served as a board member of the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) for 5 years, has spoken widely at industry conferences and has participated in international delegations at the highest level.

Prior to joining Qatar Airways in 2008, Keith was a retail consultant for Bourne Leisure group and worked for Alpha Airports Group as Regional Manager for UK South.

It is fortunate, or perhaps inevitable, that he works in the field he is in, as he has a bad case of wanderlust and enjoys exploring and experiencing the world, with a strong appreciation for comedy, a love of fitness and a respect for the importance of family life.