EUROPE- Leading travel-destination food outlet operator SSP Group has appointed Satya-Christophe Menard as its new CEO for its continental Europe business.
In his new role, Satya-Christophe Menard will lead SSP Group’s strategic direction for the region and will be a part of the company’s Group Executive Team.
He will lead SSP Group’s largest division by sales. Its continental Europe division operates around 1,200 units and employs 15,000 employees across 14 countries.
Menard welcomed his appointment by saying, “I’m delighted to join SSP as the new CEO for Continental Europe, leading the strategic direction for the region and joining the Group Executive Team at this exciting time in the company’s journey.”
Menard will assume his new role from October 14, after a transition period with the outgoing continental Europe CEO Jeremy Fennell.
The outgoing CEO will take on the role of Group Chief Operating Officer. He will be tasked with enhancing the company’s digital and technology capabilities, customer relations, commercial strategy and supply chain management.
The new CEO brings more than two decades of experience in the service industry.
His extensive background includes important positions in the food and beverage (coffee) sectors across North American and European markets.
The new CEO’s most recent role was head of the out-of-home division of JDE Peet’s, a beverage company based in the Netherlands. Prior to this role, Menard served as global CEO of the schools and university division of French food service and facilities management company Sodexo.
Welcoming the appointment, SSP Group acknowledged Menard’s track record of driving profitable growth in B2B [business-to-business] and B2B2C [business-to-business-to-consumer] companies and managing diverse international teams.
Patrick Coveney, SSP Group’s CEO, said, “Satya’s outstanding business skills and deep, relevant international experience will help us continue to maintain our strong regional and in-market leadership, which is central to our strategy, business model and culture.”
“We’re certain that he will make a very valuable contribution to our business, and we look forward to welcoming him to the team.”
The appointment comes at a time when the company continues to expand its presence in the foodservice industry. SSP Group recently partnered with Starbucks and Heathrow Airport to open a new Starbucks outlet at Heathrow’s Terminal 5.
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