Hudson built an airport empire on the things travelers forget. Its next act is turning dead time at the gate into a locally flavored, digitally streamlined retail business.
Morpho Travel Experience is a Latin American travel-retail and food-and-beverage operator that turns airport corridors, hotels and tourist hubs into theatrical, locally-rooted stores and restaurants. From a single Costa Rican airport shop opened in 2001, it has grown into a roughly US$160 million operation with more than 2,800 employees and 300-plus commercial spaces across 11 countries, built on a 'sense of place' philosophy that puts regional craft, food and culture at the center of the traveler's journey.
Adriana Echandi Bachtold is the Group CEO of Morpho Travel Experience, a Latin American travel retail and food & beverage powerhouse with over 2,800 employees across 11 countries. Starting as a cashier-seller at what was then Grupo Britt in 2002, she rose through every rung of the organization to become CEO - overseeing 300+ commercial spaces in 23 airports serving 78 million passengers annually. Named Businesswoman of the Year 2022 by Costa Rica's El Financiero and a Moodie Davitt People of the Year honoree, she leads a company built around 'sense of place' - connecting global travelers with authentic local culture, artisan products, and sustainable practices. A fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, she has built a company where 50% of management are women, equal pay is non-negotiable, and a kiosk in San José has become a $225 million regional retail force.