THE LOWDOWN...Gregg Paradies

Gregg Paradies is the president and CEO of Paradies Lagardère, a leading airport travel retailer and restaurateur with more than 950 stores and restaurants in some 100 airports.

The travel retail giant works with airports, brands and supplier partners to create memorable experiences for travelers. Paradies is responsible for ensuring exceptional customer service, design and store and restaurant operations and management.

The company represents retail and dining brands in airports, including SPANX, Brooks Brothers, Dylan’s Candy Bar, PGA TOUR Shops, CNBC, Univision, TripAdvisor, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, P.F. Chang’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Gordon Biersch, and celebrity chefs Cat Cora, Michael Symon and Michael Mina.

Paradies’s leadership has earned him industry honors, highlighted by the company’s 25-year run as the “Best Airport Retailer,” awarded annually by Airport Experience News (AXN). He is committed to philanthropy and participates in a variety of community programs, serving on the Board of Directors of the American Jewish Committee and Ahavath Achim. In 2017, Paradies and his wife, Beth, received the American Jewish Committee Selig Distinguished Leadership Award.

The couple has three daughters and a new son-in-law, all residing in Atlanta. Read on to learn why Gregg likes “chick flicks” and is leery of wearing a tuxedo.

My most exotic vacay was …A bleisure trip (business + leisure) to Shanghai. We were so intrigued by the culture and history and loved our motorcycle tour through this fascinating city.
If I had one more talent, it would be …
It would be cool to be a singer … but I have negative talent.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I love gelato and any ice cream, even the “healthy” kind … favoring Rocky Road and Moose Tracks.
If I could tell a 21-year-old Gregg one thing, it would be …
Work hard, but take time to “smell the roses” and get out of your comfort zone to experience the world.
I am streaming or reading …
I just finished reading “Howard’s Gift” by Eric Sinoway, which offers wonderful wisdom for navigating the inflection points in our lives and helps define success in your own terms … an inspiring read after the pandemic!
One quirky thing about me …
I love “chick” flicks, which I enjoy watching with the wonderful women in my life.
My wife and daughters say I’m too …
Focused, as I like to have goals every day.
My last fashion disaster was …
I attended a charity event, and I was told that it was “black tie.” When I arrived, the only people wearing black tie were the waiters and me … so several attendees asked me for a drink.
The last time I danced …
At my daughter Katie’s wedding in March. After two COVID delays, Beth and I were thrilled to celebrate as we danced the night away, even though I lack rhythm.
The last time I cried …
Unfortunately, very recently, at the “celebration of life” for our sensational VP of business development, who died unexpectedly while riding her Peloton.
My favorite airport is …
I need to be very careful answering this question as I do not want to upset any of my airport partners … so my favorite “new airport” is SLC (Salt Lake City), which is very easy to navigate and has a wonderful sense of place, including incredible views of the mountains.
My requested cocktail …
l love frozen margaritas of all flavors (no salt) … probably due to the fact that I have always lived in a household surrounded by women.

THE LOWDOWN…Gregg Paradies

I Bet You Didn't Know...The travel retail giant works with airports, brands and supplier partners to create memorable experiences for travelers.

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