SSP Group appoints Satya-Christophe Menard as Continental Europe division CEO

Menard brings more than 20-years’ food industry expertise to the role, including as CEO of Sodexo’s Central and South America business and President of JDE Peet’s Out of Home division

Satya-Christophe Menard, CEO Continental Europe, SSP Group

Global travel concession operator SSP Group has appointed former JDE Peet’s and Sodexo executive Satya-Christophe Menard as the new CEO of its Continental Europe business. 

 

Effective 14 October 2024, Menard will assume responsibility for SSP Group operations across 13 European markets, including France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden.  

In a press release, SSP Group said Menard will continue the work of predecessor Jeremy Fennell – who is moving to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer – to drive profitability and partner with new brands to develop market-leading food and beverage offers. 

 

“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,” said Patrick Coveney, Group CEO, SSP Group. 

Menard brings extensive service and food industry expertise to London-headquartered SSP Group. He served more than 13 years with French foodservice and facilities management firm Sodexo, including as CEO of Central and South America and CEO of the group’s Schools and Universities Worldwide division.  

In January 2021, Menard assumed the role of President of Out of Home for Amsterdam-based coffee and tea group JDE Peet’s, a position he held until June 2023 when he founded food industry advisory firm SCM B.V. 

Founded in 1961 as SAS Catering, SSP Group currently operates 2,900 food and beverage outlets in travel hubs across 38 global markets. It has presence across some of Europe’s largest airports and train stations, including Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris Gare de Lyon, Heathrow, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Vienna Airport, Stockholm Central Station, Zürich Airport and Berlin Airport.