NORTH AMERICA. Travel restaurateur SSP America has promoted long-time senior executive Pat Murray to the post of Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
Previously Executive Vice President, the move sees his responsibilities expand to encompass oversight of SSP America’s expansion into Central and South America. Murray will serve as President of the Central and South America operation and be responsible for building a new development and operations team.
Since joining SSP America in 2007 Murray’s responsibilities have included business development, design & construction, brands & concepts, strategic partnerships and corporate marketing and communications. He drove the company’s growth from 2014 to 2019, when it added more than 21 airports to the portfolio.
Working with SSP America’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis, Murray has also been an influential figure in promoting a strong internal corporate culture, alongside developing its brand strategy.
Murray has also promoted the wider airport concessions industry in his role as Chair of the Board for the Airport Restaurant and Retail Association (ARRA) since late 2019. ARRA has played a pivotal role in communicating about the challenges airport restaurateurs and retailers face and advocating for financial relief amid the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the business.
Michael Svagdis said: “Our sights are firmly set on the future as we work to expand our footprint throughout the Americas and carve out a unique niche in the aviation space given our passion for bringing a taste of place to the airports we serve and commitment to our team of food travel experts.
“Pat has been an integral part of our success and will be key to our future growth. Pat’s passion for our company, team members and industry inspires us all, and I look forward to relying on Pat in future years for his continued leadership.”
