Former Vancouver Airport commercial leader Eric Pateman assumes Plaza Premium Group role

NORTH AMERICA. Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has appointed Eric Pateman as Senior Vice President, North America, reinforcing the company’s leadership structure across Canada, the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Pateman will oversee regional performance, commercial development, partner relations and operational delivery across PPG’s North American portfolio, as the group continues to scale its presence in the region.

Eric Pateman has an impressive leadership and entrepreneurial background, including high-level airport commercial experience

His most recent role was with Vancouver International Airport, where he served as Chief Experience Officer, leading commercial and guest experience strategy.

During his tenure, the airport secured the top ranking in North America in the 2024 and 2025 Skytrax awards, alongside a position within the global top 15.

Pateman brings a background spanning airport commercial strategy, brand development and experience-led transformation, alongside international advisory work with governments, cities and Fortune 500 companies.

He also has more than two decades of entrepreneurial experience, having founded and operated multiple ventures, including Sea to Sky Seasonings, ESP Culinary Consulting and Edible Canada.

A note from PPG said, “As PPG continues to expand its North American footprint, this appointment strengthens the Group’s commitment to delivering strong commercial and operational performance.

“Eric’s leadership plays a key role in advancing long-term growth and deepening partnerships across the region.”

The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce Airport Hospitality World, the latest edition to its wide-ranging, market-leading travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenues publishing and event portfolio.

Airport Hospitality World covers all forms of airport lounges across international and domestic terminals, including various definitions as follows:

  • Pay-per-use
  • First Class and Business Class
  • Airline-affiliated
  • Alliance-based
  • Credit card-linked

Plus other hospitality-related platforms:

  • Airport hotels
  • Meet & Greet
  • Concierge services
  • Rewards
  • Baggage wrap and other related services
  • Miscellaneous passenger support programmes (buggies, porter services and more)
  • Pet facilities and services

Excitingly, the long-established Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards will embrace Airport Hospitality World from the 2026 edition – the event’s 15th anniversary. The event will take on an extended form, featuring an exhibition and the ultimate one-stop airport hospitality and food & beverage conference and awards platform.

Food & Beverage The Magazine eZine