SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has been joined by Paul Brown, an accomplished aviation industry leader, as the senior director of brands and concepts. SSP America is expanding its development team to meet the demands of its ongoing growth across airports in the United States and Canada.
In this role Paul will be responsible for identifying new restaurants and maintaining a portfolio of brand relationships in key markets. Paul’s portfolio will include a mix of local concepts which truly reflect what SSP America refers to as a ‘taste of place’—brands and concepts which define a region’s culinary landscape as well as national brands. Paul will also lead the brand development process during the design and construction phase to ensure each concept is translated effectively into an airport setting.
Paul Brown commented, “My 20-year-aviation career has included leadership positions at airports and with retailers, concessionaires, and brands. These experiences give me a great vantage point as I join the company’s renowned brands and concepts team. We’ll continue our focus on bringing brands to airports which are truly reflective of a particular region. I’m also really excited to be part of this incredible team of passionate professionals.”
Prior to joining SSP America, Brown was the chief executive officer of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority in Jackson, Mississippi and immediately prior Brown was assistant general manager of commercial development at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Paul’s career includes time spent as an independent contractor which saw him advise retail brands, restaurant firms and individuals in establishing meaningful relationships with key airport directors and executives. Paul represented two national QSR brands and operated a portfolio of brands at Washington Reagan National Airport.
SSP America’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Pat Murray commented, “SSP America is expanding our team to keep up with our growth. I couldn’t be more excited to have Paul join our team. He’s a remarkable professional who has worked in our business from all sides at the highest of levels. His personality is infectious, and he is a wonderful additional to our young, growing company.”