Karl Marnane is Sales Director of Butlers Chocolates. He joined the company over 20 years ago and has been instrumental in driving the brand’s growth and increasing its global presence in both travel retail and domestic markets. Based in Dubai for the past eight years, Karl has an inherent understanding of the dynamics of the Middle East market and brings a wealth of experience to travel retail.

Founded in 1932, Butlers Chocolates is Ireland’s premier family-owned firm dedicated to the craft of exceptional chocolate making, and the brand has listings in over 60 airports around the globe. The company’s chocolates are created using sustainably sourced cocoa under the Cocoa Horizons Programme.

Butlers opened its first retail store in 1989 on Dublin’s prestigious Grafton Street. The shop was the foundation for the company’s very successful retail and café concept, Butlers Chocolate Café. There are now over 30 Butlers Chocolate Cafés in Ireland, including Dublin Airport, as well as franchises in Dubai and Riyadh Airport.

Karl, who currently resides in Dubai with his wife and three sons, is a graduate of University College Dublin and holds an MBA from the University of Warwick. He was recently elected to the board of APTRA.