Nicholas Schaefer named SSP America Executive Vice President of Business Development

Schaefer’s promotion underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it continues to drive its ‘taste of place’ strategy and ambitious expansion across the Americas.

Feb 11, 2025 - 10:27

Nicholas Schaefer named SSP America Executive Vice President of Business Development

**With 20 years experience in airport F&B and franchise development, Nicholas Schaefer steps into his new role to drive the company’s ‘taste of place’ strategy and continued growth in the Americas**

NORTH AMERICA. SSP America has promoted Nicholas Schaefer to Executive Vice President of Business Development.

Schaefer will drive the company’s continued expansion across the US, Canada and Central and South America.

Schaefer joined SSP America in 2022 as Vice President of Central and South America. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in the profitable growth and strategic development of the company’s brand and operations within the region, with a strong focus on delivering a ‘taste of place’ to travellers.

Working alongside Chief Executive Officer Pat Murray, Schaefer has been instrumental in strengthening SSP America’s footprint during a period of ‘unprecedented growth’, the company said.

With more than two decades of experience in the food & beverage sector, Schaefer has built a reputation for tailoring brands for the airport environment while ensuring sustainable and profitable expansion.

Before joining SSP America, he served as Senior Vice President of Franchise and License Development at JAB Holding Company, a global investment firm specialising in consumer goods and services. In this capacity, he managed a portfolio of 485 units, generating annual sales of US$300 million.

**Pat Murray was recently named CEO of SSP America, succeeding Michael Svagdis, who has left the company to pursue a new opportunity outside the group. Click here for our full story.**

Schaefer also worked at Delaware North, where he was Vice President of Airport Business Development.

Murray commented: “Nick’s move into the Executive Vice President of Business Development role will allow SSP America to continue growing at the impressive pace we’ve set while remaining profitable.

“Nick’s ‘win-win’ problem-solving and negotiation styles have been one of the keys to our success over the past few years. With Nick in this role, we’ll be able to bring a taste of place to more airports than ever before.”

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