USA. Airmall USA has appointed Ben Zandi as President and Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the North American operations of parent company Fraport, effective immediately.
Airmall runs master concessions at four of America’s biggest airports, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Boston Logan International, Cleveland Hopkins International and Pittsburgh International.
“We are honoured to have an accomplished business leader and innovator focused on our growth in North America and expanding our US footprint,” said Airmall Chairman of the Board of Directors Charles Weinland. “Ben brings a depth of experience, tremendous energy and insight to our strategic vision. Our focus is on enhancing the customer and passenger ‘breakthrough’ experience at all of our airports. We and our airport partners are in excellent hands with Ben Zandi at the helm.”
Zandi has over 30 years’ experience in hospitality, business management and retail and restaurant development and operations with a record of increasing shareholder value and exceeding revenue and profitability goals.
“Fraport is a major international player with an impressive wealth of knowledge, talent and resources,” commented Zandi. “I am passionately committed to positioning the Airmall brand for the 21st Century as best in class by creating breakthrough services, products and experiences to serve the shifting customer base. It’s an exciting time.”
Zandi was formerly Executive Vice President of Operations at PGHC, a privately owned restaurant company based in Dedham, Massachusetts with annual revenue of US$250 million.
Before joining PGHC, for 12 years he owned and operated Zanick, a regional restaurant group and consulting firm based in Bristol, Tennessee, which he grew to over US$15 million in annual revenue. He also served as Director of Operations of all retail and F&B concessions in major airports for Host Corporation by Marriott for 13 years.
