USA. Travel restaurateur HMSHost has promoted company veteran Richard Bennett to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he will oversee HMSHost food & beverage operations at nearly 80 airports in North America.
Bennett’s hospitality career with the company spans 25 years and he brings a strong track record of overseeing complex multi-unit operations to his new position. His most recent role was as Vice President of Operations with responsibility for the Western US.
HMSHost noted that he is “deeply invested in maximising growth opportunities for our people” and supporting airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise partners’ growth and success in the airport environment.
Before joining the company, Bennett worked for Universal Studios and Foodbrand.
HMSHost President & CEO Steve Johnson said: “I am delighted for Richard to join the HMSHost executive team as our new COO. His intimate knowledge of our business, passion for people-focused hospitality, and decades of achievement are a perfect match for our organisation as we experience rapid passenger and sales growth.”
Bennett said: “I look forward to continuing the important work of HMSHost to deliver the best in travel dining. We have a tremendous amount of opportunity ahead of us. I am honoured to be trusted to lead an exceptional team as we continue to enhance offerings for guests.”
