USA. Global restaurateur HMSHost, part of Avolta, has announced the appointment of Brett Kelly as Vice President of Business Development, with responsibility for the company’s food & beverage business across North America.
Describing him as a seasoned and respected senior executive in the aviation and hospitality industries, HMSHost said Kelly will play a central role as a member of its leadership team. He is tasked with helping to win and retain airport contracts, maintaining landlord relations and building portfolio real estate values across nearly 80 airports in North America.
He joins HMSHost after a distinguished career in airport concessions and commercial development spanning more than 25 years. Most recently he was Managing Partner of Harper Elan Business Consulting.
During his decade-long tenure supporting the concessions programme at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport, Kelly served as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and Vice President and Asset Manager for Fraport.
In these capacities, he was responsible for the financial and operational performance of the company. As COO, Kelly oversaw the development, leasing and operations of six concessions contracts.
He managed the entirety of the Fraport USA field organisation with direct responsibility for the management, operations, leasing and state contract compliance for 110 BWI Airport locations. Between 2011 and 2021, HMSHost noted he increased project rental revenue from US$15 million to US$24 million.
Earlier in his career, Kelly performed senior roles at General Growth Properties, one of the most extensive REIT shopping centre development and management companies in the USA. He rose to Vice President of Local Leasing during his tenure, where he supervised four group vice presidents and 42 negotiators throughout the country, generating US$150 million in annual leasing revenue.
Avolta Chief Development Officer North America said: “We are thrilled to welcome Brett to HMSHost. I am proud to have known and worked alongside Brett for many years and know that his expertise and leadership in our industry will be instrumental as we continue to enhance the traveller experience in every market we serve.
“His vision perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional service, quality and experiences that make the journey as exciting as the destination.”
Kelly commented: “I am excited to join HMSHost, a company renowned for its innovation and excellence in the travel dining space. I look forward to working with the talented team to build on the company’s success and explore new opportunities for partnership and growth.” 
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