USA. Leading travel F&B company SSP America has promoted Scott Welding to Senior Vice President, Development and Pursuit of New Airports. The role sees him retain his current portfolio alongside responsibility to expand SSP America’s presence across US and Canadian airports.
It is the latest in a series of promotions at the SSP regional division. As reported, John Clark has been named as Senior Vice President of Development, Airports and Airlines, with Paul Loupakos appointed Senior Vice President, Development and Airport Retention.
Welding has developed and operated restaurants in over 40 airports. Before leading business development efforts at SSP America, he managed restaurant operations at airports including Spokane International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He also has expertise in developing brands and concepts, the role he initially held when he joined SSP America in 2015. He was promoted to Vice President of Business Development in 2017.
Since then, Welding has helped the company secured new business across the US and Canada including in his home state of Washington at Seattle Tacoma International Airport where SSP America has a collection of restaurants.
SSP America Deputy Chief Executive Officer Pat Murray commented: “Scott’s worked nearly every position in an airport restaurant. He’s cooked and unloaded trucks and negotiated large-scale contracts and interacted with high-level officials. He’s worked hard to develop strong relationships across the industry and grow our business. Like a lot of us, Scott has many people in his life who’ve coached and mentored him along the way. I know each of those people is very proud of Scott and all he has accomplished.”
Chief Executive Officer Michael Svagdis added: “Our focus at SSP America is on bringing a ‘taste of place’ to the airports we serve and developing a culture of passionate team members committed to delivering heartfelt service to our guests. Scott’s passion and expertise are incredibly important to the company as we have lofty development and service goals. We look forward to Scott’s ongoing contribution to the company.”
