WHSmith North America Leaders Honored with Three Prestigious 2026 AMAC Catalyst Awards
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LAS VEGAS (July 6, 2026) WHSmith North America, a leading specialty retailer in airports across the U.S. and Canada, announces that three of its outstanding leaders have received recognition from the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) with 2026 Catalyst Awards. This is one of the most respected honors in the aviation industry, celebrating leadership, advocacy, and dedication to creating opportunities in the airport and transportation sectors.
The company’s honorees include:
- Alea Rocque – Advocate of the Year
- Roderick McOwan – Hall of Fame
- Star Somilleda – Supplier Leadership Award
Presented annually, the AMAC Catalyst Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to advancing AMAC’s mission and fostering growth, innovation, and inclusion across the aviation industry.
“We are incredibly proud to see Alea, Roddy and Star recognized by AMAC for their leadership, dedication and impact,” said Huw Crwys-Williams, Chief Executive Officer WHSmith North America. “Each has helped shape a stronger, more inclusive future for our industry through mentorship, advocacy, supplier engagement and a steadfast commitment to creating opportunities for others. Their achievements exemplify the values that drive WHSmith North America every day.”
As Advocate of the Year, Alea Rocque was recognized for her commitment to mentorship and industry advancement, helping emerging businesses and professionals navigate opportunities within airport concessions and travel retail. Her efforts have strengthened relationships across the aviation community and helped foster the next generation of industry leaders.
The Hall of Fame Award honors industry leaders whose careers have left a lasting impact on aviation and airport business. Roderick McOwan received the distinction as he concludes an accomplished career spanning four decades in aviation, during which he championed diversity, supplier development and meaningful opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses.
Star Somilleda, recipient of the Supplier Leadership Award, was recognized for her outstanding commitment to supplier diversity and partnership development. Through her work supporting nearly 100 joint-venture partners and fostering inclusive business opportunities, she has helped strengthen pathways for diverse suppliers throughout the industry.
The awards were presented during the 2026 AMAC Airport Business Conference, which brings together leaders from airports, concessionaires, developers, suppliers and government agencies from across North America.
In addition to the award recognitions, Devon Ray was installed as the new Chair of the AMAC Catalyst Awards, a prestigious leadership role in which she will lead the selection committee, oversee the nomination review process and help ensure the fair recognition of outstanding diversity and inclusion achievements throughout the aviation industry. Devon is committed to bringing integrity, transparency and streamlined processes to the Catalyst Awards program.
WHSmith North America also served as the National Sponsor of AMAC’s Runway to Success (RTS) program during this year’s conference, becoming the first prime concessionaire to sponsor the innovative small business initiative. Yasmin Sheriff served as a judge for the RTS Final Pitch Competition. The RTS program is a multi-city, tournament-style pitch competition designed to help suppliers expand their businesses into the airport food and retail industry by providing exposure, mentorship and opportunities for growth.
About WHSmith North America
WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with more than 1,700 stores in over 30 countries. In 2018, the company acquired InMotion, the largest airport-based technology retailer in North America, and in 2019, it acquired Marshall Retail Group (MRG), a leading specialty retailer in the airport and casino-resort marketplace. WHSmith North America, which includes MRG and InMotion, now operates more than 340 specialty retail stores in airports and resorts across the continent.
Media Contact:
WHSmith North America
Kirvin Doak Communications
WHSmithNorthAmericaPR@KirvinDoak.com
