SSP AMERICA APPOINTS NEW VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Highly regarded industry leader, Patrick Gleason, takes new role

Lansdowne, VA, May 15, 2013:  SSP America, the North American division of SSP, the leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, is pleased to announce the appointment of well-known and respected industry leader, Patrick Gleason, as Vice President of Business Development.  Gleason will report directly to Pat Murray, SSP America’s Executive Vice President.

“I am delighted to be joining the SSP America team,” commented Gleason.  “Since entering the North American market, SSP has been widely recognized for bringing change and innovation to the industry and have truly transformed the way Americans eat in airports today.  This is a very proud day for me and I look forward to building towards the future with SSP.”

Patrick Gleason brings with him over 30 years of industry experience, serving both inside the airport in commercial development, management and planning – as well as outside the airport, providing industry analysis and consultation services to multiple gateways and concessionaires. 

Prior to joining SSP America, Gleason was Principal and Owner of Airport Concession Consulting Services where he advised on the design and management of concession programs for numerous major US airports including San Diego, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and Las Vegas.  His prior experience also includes aviation consultants, SH&E, where he served as Vice President for the firm’s Center for Airport Management (CAM), as well as Base Holdings, LLC and Casino Holdings, LLC where he served as President.  In addition, Patrick spent 11 years at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in positions ranging from Commercial Development Manager to Vice President of Revenue Management.  Patrick graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration.

Pat Murray, Executive Vice President, commented on Gleason’s hire, “Patrick Gleason joins SSP America with an enormous wealth of industry knowledge having worked in nearly every facet of airport concessions. His highly regarded, comprehensive commercial development experience will help SSP America go from strength to strength as we continue to build and grow our food and beverage business across North America.  I am honored to have Patrick Gleason on our winning team – he is truly an exceptional talent to have on board.”

In his current role, Patrick will be responsible for developing new business opportunities and increasing SSP America’s presence in the North American market. 

About SSP

SSP is the leading dedicated provider of food and beverage brands in travel locations, operating restaurants, bars, cafes, 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 30,000 employees, serving over a million customers every day. It has business at over 140 airports and over 250 rail stations, and operates more than 2,100 units in 30 countries around the world.

SSP operates an extensive portfolio of over 200 international, national, local and specialty 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 Cafe 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.

About SSP America/SSP Canada

SSP America/Canada operates in more than 40 airports across North America bringing a variety of local, regional and national brands to the traveling consumer at a vast array of price ranges.  Third party brands in the company's broad portfolio include The Palm Restaurant, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Gordon Biersch, Panda Express, Tigín, Peet's Coffee & Tea, T.G.I. Friday's, Tim Hortons, The Great American Bagel and Buffalo Wild Wings.  SSP America's brand portfolio also includes strong, local award-winning icons such as Laurelwood Public House & Brewery, Harry & Izzy's, Nonna Bartolotta's, and Alterra Coffee. For more information, please visit www.foodtravelexperts.com/America.

Darleen Nascimento
SSP America
(703) 723-5418
(703) 462-4699 (c)
darleen.nascimento@foodtravelexperts.com

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