Skip to main content

Press Release

May 05, 2022

Paradies Lagardère Strengthens Organization with Selection of Talented Executives for Key Leadership Roles

ATLANTA, May 2022 – Paradies Lagardère, the award-winning airport retailer and restaurateur, announced the appointment of two seasoned veterans in their respective areas to lead key departments and initiatives for the company while also promoting three dedicated team members to executive roles in Retail Operations, Merchandising, and the Legal Department. 

Donna Barton was recently named Vice President of Human Resources and will lead the organization’s efforts in talent management, recruitment, leadership development, training, compensation, strategic planning, and championing Paradies Lagardère’s outstanding culture. Ms. Barton held a similar role with Sodexo, Inc. where she worked for 37 years before coming to Paradies Lagardère. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University.

Extending her more than 16 years with the company, Nicole Burns will assume the role of Regional Vice President - East where she will lead the efficient operation, profitability, and strategic relationships with half of our airport partners on the Retail Operations side of our business. Mrs. Burns was previously a Vice President in the Merchandising Division, and led the convenience, publications, and travel essentials business lines. She also worked for RaceTrac prior to joining Paradies Lagardère and earned an MBA from Georgia State University. 

Stepping into Mrs. Burns former Vice President of Merchandising role will be 20-year Paradies Lagardère veteran Sarah Kirkpatrick. Starting her career as an Assistant Buyer, Mrs. Kirkpatrick has repeatedly demonstrated great vision in various roles before earning the position of Senior Director of Brands. She has successfully managed strategic partnerships with brands such as Spanx, Brooks Brothers, and PGA TOUR. She holds a Bachelor of Art degree in psychology from Clemson University.

Whitfield Caughman has been promoted to the Vice President – Deputy General Counsel where she will oversee the Legal Department’s transactional, commercial litigation, and labor/employment functions. Mrs. Caughman will also be leading the development of enhanced regulatory compliance function in several areas. She developed her expertise through employment and litigation matters from years of private practice and owns a J.D. in Commercial Litigation, Labor, and Employment from Tulane University Law School. 

Paradies Lagardère’s award-winning Dining Division recently welcomed Larissa Dubose as its new National Beverage Director. In this capacity, Mrs. Dubose will lead the continued growth of the organization’s wine and beverage expertise and offerings. Her arrival coincides with the expansion of the industry-recognized Vino Volo concept, which recently unveiled new programs in local spirits and craft beer to complement its award-winning wine program. A certified Sommelier, Dubose also held previous senior level roles with Fiji Water, Reliable Churchill, and the Oceanaire Seafood Room. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire.

“I am thrilled to secure such talented and strategic leaders for these key roles within the organization,” said Gregg Paradies, President and CEO of Paradies Lagardère. “It is a true testament to the continued growth of our company, and depth of our talent, that we not only attract impressive new experts to our business and industry, but we also witness the personal and professional growth of our existing team members who have demonstrated such great commitment and results.”