22nd July 2014
SSP makes changes to strengthen North American business
Les Cappetta is appointed chairman and Michael Svagdis named new CEO, SSP North America
SSP a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, announces that Les Cappetta, currently CEO, SSP North America is appointed chairman, SSP North America, and Michael Svagdis will be joining the company as the new CEO, SSP North America.
Since Les joined the business in 2007, SSP North America has enjoyed significant growth and the team has delivered a string of successes, including the recent openings of over 80 restaurants in JFK Terminal 4, Phoenix, San Diego, Sacramento Winnipeg and Houston.
Michael Svagdis joins SSP next month from Compass Group plc where he has been CEO, Eurest Dining Services since 2011. Prior to this, he was president of Morrison Healthcare Services since 2005.
Commenting on the new appointments, Kate Swann, CEO of SSP Group said; "Michael has an excellent track record and the right balance of skills to lead the well-established SSP North America team through its next exciting phase of development and growth. As chairman, Les will play a significant role in the future of the company, supporting Michael and the North American team as they continue to take SSP North America forward."
Further information:
Business & financial media
Rob Greening/Lisa Kavanagh
Powerscourt
+44 (0) 207 250 1446
Trade media
Katharine Tipper
SSP, The Food Travel Experts
+44 (0) 203 714 5247
Editor's notes:
About SSP:
SSP is a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafés, food courts, lounges and convenience stores in airports, train stations, motorway service stations and other leisure locations. With a heritage stretching back over 60 years, today SSP has nearly 30,000 employees, serving approximately a million customers every day. It has business at circa 130 airports and circa 270 rail stations, and operates approximately 2,000 units in 29 countries around the world.
SSP operates an extensive portfolio of approximately 300 international, national, local and speciality brands. These include Upper Crust, Starbucks, Caffè Ritazza, Burger King, M&S Simply Food, Millie's Cookies, O'Learys, Caviar House & Prunier, and leading Asian brands Ajisen Ramen and Saboten, as well as stunning bespoke concepts such as the Montreux Jazz Café in Geneva and the award winning Center Bar at Zurich.
Its brand portfolio is tailored for each specific location, depending on variables such as passenger profile, consumer need states, location type, size and design.
www.foodtravelexperts.com
