Farewell to one of travel retail’s finest contributors: Jaya Singh to retire from Mondelez WTR as Joost Rosmuller assumes key new role

Mondelez World Travel Retail (WTR), European Export and New Business Managing Director Jaya Singh, one of travel retail’s most-respected, forward-thinking and influential figures, will retire at the end of January 2025. {Look out for The Moodie View, by Martin Moodie, coming soon.}

Singh will be succeeded by Joost Rosmuller, who will take on the role of Managing Director WTR at the same time. Rosmuller is also appointed Vice President of Special Businesses, effective 1 June 2024.

Singh has served with immense distinction for more than 30 years at Mondelēz International in several global leadership positions spanning both domestic and travel retail markets.

A fierce advocate for travel retail and the role of confectionery in the channel, Singh has overseen a period of transformation for Mondelez WTR’s business since taking the helm in 2018.

He also played a pivotal part in supporting the industry during and post-COVID, taking on the role of President of the Tax Free World Association during a critical period in 2021.

Singh has also held several other influential positions on a variety of industry trade associations, sitting on the board of the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association from 2009 until 2018, as Treasurer for six years and President between 2013 and 2017. He also served on the board of the Duty Free World Council from 2013 to 2017.

Rosmuller – based in Zürich, Switzerland – is described by Mondelēz as a customer- and people-centric leader with a strong business acumen and a deep understanding of the value of partnership.

In his 15 years with Mondelēz International, Rosmuller has driven business growth in executive roles across several business units, most recently as the Vice President and Managing Director of Chipita. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have greatly contributed to the success of Mondelēz International, making him a key figure in the leadership team, the company said.

Rosmuller’s dedication to fostering collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth underscores his role as a dynamic leader within the organisation, Mondelēz International said.

Singh said: “The decision to retire is not one I have taken lightly, after what has been an extremely enjoyable and rewarding career with Mondelez. It has been a privilege to work with so many talented partners and friends in the travel retail channel and within Mondelēz International.

“I am proud of the strong team we have built, and I know that they will continue to work tirelessly to grow the confectionery category and strengthen travel retail’s reputation with consumers.

“I am confident that under Joost’s leadership, Mondelez WTR will continue to thrive and embrace the responsibilities and opportunities that come with being a true leader in the travel retail industry.”

Rosmuller added: “I am deeply honoured and excited about stepping into this new role. In the upcoming months, I will collaborate closely with Jaya to ensure a smooth and seamless transition and we will be travelling across all markets to personally meet with different teams for formal introductions.

“The business is in a strong position, with an excellent team in place and a fantastic pipeline of initiatives set to roll out. I am confident that we will continue to advance category growth with our partners and delight our shoppers and consumers as we drive penetration and conversion in this dynamic channel.” ✈

The Moodie View: Travel retail without Jaya Singh will seem like an Oreo without its filling, writes Martin Moodie. For such has been his quiet influence within the channel that he will leave a giant-sized gap upon his departure.

A man of impeccable integrity, great oratory skills (I always told him he was the Morgan Freeman of travel retail), simple decency and great conviction, Jaya Singh walked the walk of Trinity as well as talking it (very well).

His influence in the evolving Trinity debate over the years both in public and – less-known – behind the scenes was immense. And of course his contribution to Mondelez WTR and the confectionery category was similarly profound.

Jaya’s perennial calm helped make wayfinding through sometimes complex issues that much easier and I, like others, benefitted time and again from his mentorship and quiet guidance.

I, along with all those who know him in the travel retail community, will miss his contribution greatly. Just as I, in common with so many, have gained so richly from it.