A deeper insight into Colm McLoughlin's life, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and style of leadership.

After 55 years in the travel retail industry and 41 at the helm of Dubai Duty Free, Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, has announced his decision to step down from his role on May 31, 2024. McLoughlin will retain an advisory role, attend sponsored sporting events, and continue as Chairman of the Dubai Duty Free Foundation. Originally from Galway, Colm McLoughlin began his retailing career in London in the 1960s with Woolworths before returning to Ireland to work for Shannon Duty Free. As General Manager of Shannon Duty Free, he was part of a team that moved to Dubai in 1983 at the request of the Dubai Government to establish Dubai Duty Free. Following the successful opening of Dubai Duty Free in 1983, Colm was asked to stay on as General Manager and later became the Managing Director. In July 2011, he was appointed as Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free and its subsidiary businesses, which include The Irish Village Bar and Restaurants in Garhoud, at Dubai Parks and Resort and at Dubai Studio City, The Century Village complex, and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, home to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Colm also oversees the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, owned and developed by Dubai Duty Free and managed by the Jumeirah Group. A committed philanthropist, Colm established the Dubai Duty Free Foundation in 2004 and has since supported 101 local and international charities.