Global Blue's new UK MD joins as it prepares for raft of key initiatives

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
May 23, 2018

Tax-free shopping facilitator Global Blue has named Derrick Hardman as the new Managing Director of its UK and Ireland unit.

 
He joins with a wealth of experience in operational efficiency, product innovation and sales performance from his position as COO at French transactional solutions specialist Edenred’s UK arm. Before becoming COO, he was involved in “streamlining business processes and winning and managing significant client accounts” from his time as MD of the Incentive & Motivation business at Edenred.
 
The company said that the appointment comes at a key time for Global Blue, as over the next 12 to 18 months it’s set to launch “a series of new and innovative tax-free shopping solutions, many of which are first of their kind to the market.” 

Hardman will now play a leading role in launching these new products in the UK.
 
One initiative is the planned opening of London’s first VIP lounge designed specially for the most valued customers this year. The new MD “will lead the UK team to bring the concept to life and ensure this project delivers as a key differentiating factor.”

And he will oversee the company’s core client relationships as well as support the wider Global Blue team.

Hardman follows Gordon Clarke who left Global Blue after a successful six-and-a-half-year tenure in the MD’s role.