NORTH AMERICA. The Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA) has elected Areas USA Chief Executive Officer Carlos Bernal as Board of Directors Chair for the 2026–27 term.
Bernal succeeds Bryan Loden of HMSHost by Avolta, who will serve as Immediate Past Chair following the end of his term.
He brings more than 20 years’ experience in travel retail and food & beverage concessions.
As CEO of Areas USA, Bernal led the 2025 acquisition of Delaware North’s Travel Hospitality Services, a transaction that positioned Areas as the largest privately held travel hospitality company in the US.
ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig said: “We’re excited to have Carlos take the helm of ARRA in his new role as chair. He has been a valued member of the board since the Association’s founding in 2020.
“Carlos’ wide-ranging experience and leadership will be invaluable in guiding our mission to support airport concessionaires and the millions of travellers ARRA members serve each year.”
Bernal commented: “The airport industry has navigated an unprecedented period of change, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and innovation. I’m grateful to be elected to this role and, having served alongside many of my fellow board members, I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish together.
“I’m honoured to work with the ARRA board to help strengthen the airport experience and position our industry for long-term growth.”
ARRA also confirmed the election of Jeff Yablun of OTG Management to the Board by the Association’s members, alongside the re-election of Greg Plummer (Concord Collective) and Kevin Westlye (High Flying Foods).
They join continuing Board members David Bisset (Paradies Lagardère), Judy Byrd (Byrd Retail Group), Nick Crew (Crews Hospitality), Inez Daniels (Fresher), Corliss Stone-Littles (Corliss Stone-Littles), Scott Welding (SSP America), as well as Bernal and Loden.
Weddig added: “As we look ahead to the future of ARRA, I want to especially thank Bryan for his outstanding contributions as chair leading the Association through the industry’s difficult recovery from the pandemic.
“I also thank and greatly appreciate our outgoing board members Scott Socha of Delaware North and Courtney Thornton of Hudson, who added invaluable insights from their many years of diverse experience in the travel industry.” ✈
