ITALY. Autogrill SpA has appointed Steve Johnson as HMSHost’s new President and CEO, replacing Tom Fricke, who will be leaving the company as his contract comes to completion.
Fricke will be relocating back to his home in Atlanta, but will continue serving HMSHost in an advisory role.
 |
Tom Fricke, pictured here at The Moodie Report’s Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards last month, will continue serving HMSHost in an advisory role |
 |
HMSHost’s new President and CEO Steve Johnson |
Autogrill Group CEO Gianmario Tondato Da Ruos commented: “Since he joined the company in 2012, Tom has led HMSHost in reshaping the travel dining experience, creating a level of excellence in food & beverage, customer service, and innovation that is unmatched in the industry. I thank Tom for his role in setting the company on a strong foundation to continue growing and developing our business.”
Fricke said: “After reviewing the progress we’ve made, I am very pleased to be able to hand the reins over to Steve and my colleagues at HMSHost. I am extremely confident that Steve is the right person to successfully lead the team in tackling the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
“It has been a privilege to work with Steve, and all of my colleagues at HMSHost and Autogrill. The team’s passion for excellence has been an inspiration that I will carry with me into the future,” he added.
Johnson has played a critical role in the growth and development of HMSHost’s business over the last 14 years, said Autogrill, most recently as Executive Vice President of Business Development, which included overseeing the business development, design and construction, and restaurant development teams.
He has led the winning and/or extending of major airport and motorway contracts, as well as the enhancement of HMSHost’s restaurant portfolio, including new proprietary concepts, and new international, national and local brand partnerships.
“Steve has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and the necessary ability to lead HMSHost into the future,” said Tondato. “His expertise in client relations and delivering bottom line results are the right combination to secure HMSHost’s leadership position.”
Johnson said: “I look forward to continuing our successful journey at HMSHost as President and CEO. I’d like to thank Tom for his many contributions toward bringing the company to where it is today, and positioning us for the exciting future that lies ahead.”
