Vintage Joel returns to Bordeaux

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Martin Moodie
Martin Moodie is the Founder & Chairman of The Moodie Report.

He’s aged as well as any of his company’s great Cognacs and his spirit is every bit as fine. We’d call him a VS quality simply because it stands for Very Special but he’s actually more of a Louis XIII, an ultra-premium blend of integrity, humour, kindness and charm.

He’s a man with Cognac running through his veins, Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail Regional Director Asia Pacific Joel Lafon. Joel today announced his impending retirement after 34 years with Rémy Cointreau, including 23 in travel retail.

“It is time for me to retire and enjoy a new chapter of my life,” he told industry friends in an e-mail. “My wife and I will go back to my home town of Bordeaux this summer. I have really enjoyed all those years with their different challenges, cultures and experiences.” 

I have known Joel for most of his years in travel retail. He was one of the first duty free executives I met, during an early visit to Cognac. He has always given generously of his time, his hospitality and his knowledge. He is one of the most popular executives in our industry but equally one of the fairest and most well-regarded.

He deserves a long and leisurely retirement in his home town that he loves so much. Bordeaux is synonymous with great vintages. A true first growth among men is coming home.

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  • As Joel’s colleague at RCGTR I have seen the love not only his Asian team have for him, but the respect with which he is held in a region where honour, tradition and principles mean so much.

    Good luck and we welcome you in Paris or Cognac anytime