UK. Leading travel restaurateur SSP Group has announced the appointment of Patrick Coveney as its new Group CEO, effective 31 March 2022. He joins from FTSE 250 company Greencore Group plc, a leading producer of convenience foods in the UK and Ireland.
Coveney will succeed Simon Smith who, as reported, leaves the business in December.
In the period between Smith departing and Coveney assuming his new role, SSP Deputy CEO and CFO Jonathan Davies will lead the Group Executive Committee and oversee the day-to-day running of the business.
Coveney has been Group CEO of Greencore since 2008, after serving more than two years as Chief Financial Officer. Under his leadership, Greencore became an international leader in value-added convenience food, most notably in the food-to-go segment.
SSP noted that he delivered a strong track record of growth, combining organic and strategic expansion, and forging long-term partnerships with Greencore’s customers across the UK, US and Europe.
Coveney is also credited with being instrumental in driving significant cultural change, building capability, developing people, and embedding sustainability into Greencore’s strategy.
In his earlier career, Coveney worked for nine years at McKinsey & Company in Europe and North America, laterally as Managing Partner for Ireland.
He currently serves as a non-executive director of Glanbia plc and Core Media.
SSP Chair of the Board Mike Clasper said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick who will join us as we emerge from the pandemic with considerable momentum. Patrick is a strong and strategic leader, combining this with proven financial and operational experience in some of the most competitive categories in the food sector.
“His customer and colleague focus make him ideally-placed to lead SSP to future success. Patrick will be well supported by Jonathan Davies, who together with the Executive Committee and Board will ensure we complete a smooth transition.
“On behalf of the Board, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Simon for his significant contribution to the Group during his time at SSP.”
Coveney said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as SSP’s next Group CEO as it builds back from the pandemic. The business has a strong Board, a highly-experienced leadership team and thousands of dedicated colleagues across the world.
“It also has a clear strategy, deep relationships with client and brand partners, and a robust balance sheet. I look forward to working with the teams to seize the many opportunities that lie ahead and to delivering future growth and returns for SSP and its shareholders.”
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