US. SSP has appointed Les Cappetta to head its US operation, Creative Host Services.
Cappetta, who joins from HMSHost, will assume the role of CEO on 4 June and will be based in Creative Host Services’ main office in Northern Virginia.
He has been a key member of HMSHost’s senior executive team for the past 11 years. He first joined Marriott in 1984 and later transferred to HMSHost with the split into unique business lines in 1996 before assuming his current role as Executive Vice President Business Development, Design and Construction.
Cappetta spearheaded the growth of HMSHost’s North American concessions business. During the time he led development, sales grew from US$1.3 billion in 1996 to US$2.3 billion in 2006.
“Les has a wealth of experience in our business,” commented SSP CEO Andrew Lynch. “He has an excellent track record in winning contracts, developing strong relationships with clients, and optimising the value of brands and concepts.
“With his strong leadership skills he is highly respected across our industry. Les is also appointed to the SSP Executive Board where I know he will also make an invaluable contribution to the development and implementation of the SSP Group strategy.”
Cappetta’s main objective will be to formulate plans with his team to increase the presence of SSP within the North American market. Cappetta said: “˜With its sound reputation as a market leader of a truly global scale, SSP is a formidable force. From my first meetings with the SSP management team in Europe I was impressed by the depth of leadership talent, and I detected a genuine entrepreneurial spirit with a unified mission to grow the business.
“SSP clearly has a strong brands and concepts portfolio. I believe that the company has the commitment, tools and resources to grow effectively in North America. I’m really looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the US and abroad to help further our ambitious plans for expansion in the US and Canadian markets.”
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