SSP America promotes John Clark to Senior Vice President of Development role

John Clark will be a key liaison between SSP America and regional partners including airports and airlines; The Palm at JFK T4 pictured

USA. Leading travel restaurateur SSP America, a division of SSP Group, has promoted John Clark to the post of Senior Vice President of Development, Airports and Airlines. He will serve as the key executive interface between American and Canadian airlines and SSP America. He will also liaise with airport executives and various industry associations.

John Clark: Distinguished career in the US airports sector and with SSP America since 2015

SSP America Deputy CEO Pat Murray commented: “John’s leadership was particularly crucial during the last few years as the industry worked collaboratively through the Airport Retail and Restaurant Association to advocate for measures which mitigated the pandemic’s impact on our business. John’s expertise and steady leadership were crucial as we navigated the pandemic.”

Clark joined SSP America in 2015, having served previously as director and CEO of three US airports.

He has been a board director for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), Chair of Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA) and served on the Council’s board of directors.

He has also been on the executive committee of Airports Council International’s (ACI) World Governing Board and Chair of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC).

SSP America CEO Michael Svagdis added: “The North American aviation restaurant industry, and SSP America, have gone through incredible change in the last few years. John’s leadership and passion for our company are critical to making sure we work collaboratively with our industry partners.

“Our goal is to ultimately deliver a world-class culinary experience and create rewarding career opportunities for our team members, and John is a key part of our ability to achieve those goals.”

*Registration is now open for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference, to be held as a virtual event on 12-13 September. Registration is free and can be made via this link through organiser The Moodie Davitt Report.

The event will be rounded off by the people-focused FAB Superstars Awards. There is now under one month until the entry deadline, with the opportunity for companies to make nominations at this link.

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