US. Leading airport retailer and restaurateur Paradies Lagardère has announced senior leadership changes with Nikki Harland being appointed President of its Retail Division and Jens Baake named President of the Dining Division.
Paradies Lagardère said that the changes, effective 3 January, 2021, strengthen the organisation’s leadership as it navigates the challenges facing the travel industry and prepares for growth opportunities.
Harland assumes her new role after leading Paradies Lagardère’s talent management efforts for the past six years. Additionally, she was the executive sponsor for the 2018 integration efforts of the new Dining Division after Paradies Lagardère acquired Hojeij Branded Foods and Vino Volo.
She has also served as a member on ACI North America’s Human Resources Committee, and was a founding member of Paradies Lagardère’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. Prior to joining Paradies Lagardère, Harland held leadership positions with Gap, Toys “R” Us and Turner Broadcasting System,
Jens Baake joined the company as Chief Operating Officer for Paradies Lagardère’s Dining Division earlier this year. From January he becomes President of that division, a role currently held by Regynald Washington who will retire at the end of the year but will continue to serve as an advisor to the company.
Baake’s extensive background in the restaurant industry includes COO roles with the Palm Restaurant Group, MS Development, and Meyers USA, plus executive roles with Walt Disney World, Foxwoods Resort Casino, and Ameristar Casinos.
Additional aspects of this realignment include the promotion of Claude Guillaume to Senior Vice President of Restaurant Operations, where he will oversee the execution of dining operations, customer service, and a team of Regional Vice Presidents. Greg Walton will lead the organisation’s talent management efforts as the new Vice President of Human Resources.
“As we navigate our industry’s current challenges and look to the future, this realignment of key leadership roles positions Paradies Lagardère to be the most successful, productive and agile company possible,” said President and CEO Gregg Paradies.
“I remain extremely proud and appreciative of how our leadership team has led during this pandemic while ‘walking the walk’ of the Paradies Lagardère family culture each and every day. Furthermore, I want to specifically thank Regynald Washington for his exceptional leadership of our Dining Division as it has been an absolute pleasure partnering with him during the past few years.”
