Our team

SSP America is founded on an assemblage of raw talent from the travel, restaurant and hospitality industries to deliver unsurpassed operational and business excellence.

From our general managers on the ground to our board directors, our management includes some of the most experienced specialists in the business; an authentic team of Food Travel Experts.

Les Cappetta is the President and CEO of SSP America. Under his leadership, SSP America has established a new culture, leading in innovation, resulting in a high-rate of expansion in North America and adding nearly $100 million in new business.

In addition to achieving substantial economic growth, Les has excelled in creating both the structure and team necessary to guide the company through the turbulence of an unprecedented industry downturn, while remaining steadfast to the company’s vision of revolutionizing airport dining through the introduction of international, first-in-kind and luxury restaurants.

His in-depth industry knowledge and reputation for setting precedents has uniquely spearheaded SSP America’s efforts to attract top-level food and beverage talent and five-star chefs.

The success of his leadership has earned SSP America industry accolades in ingenuity, service, and design, and further recognition from numerous publications such as Travel & Leisure, Nation’s Restaurant News, and the Los Angeles Times.

Prior to joining SSP, Les was a Senior Executive with United Parcel Service, Bank of America, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and most recently, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Design & Construction at HMS Host.

Les has led, and currently serves, on a number of industry, educational and trade association boards including; the Airport Council International – North America (ACI-NA) where he served as Chairman of the Associates’ Board of Directors. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Business and Finance. As a recognized Industry Thought Leader, he is often invited to speak at major academic, trade and industry conferences about global trends, service and product innovation.
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Roger Worrell is the Chief Financial Officer and responsible for over $180 million of revenue generated across SSP’s U.S., Canadian and Caribbean divisions. Roger oversees all financial elements of the company, including finance, accounting and treasury. Roger also manages the information technology department, ensuring well-organized support for the company’s operations.

Roger boasts over 20 years experience in managing financial operations and directives in two different countries. He joined SSP America in 2008 following 14 years with SSP’s parent operation in the UK. During that time Roger oversaw more than 300 food and beverage units in over 160 rail locations throughout the UK. Prior to joining the SSP family, Roger held senior finance positions at Chestermark PLC, Europcar, and Tower Records in the UK.

He holds an MBA from the University of Warwick Business School and a Master’s of Science from the University of York.
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Pat Murray is the Executive Vice President and is charged with developing and growing the company’s estate across North America. He exemplifies and inspires a passion for food, a commitment to quality, and zeal for hospitality. Pat has been an instrumental force in realizing SSP America’s vision of providing food service with a comprehensive ‘restaurant mentality’ to a large and growing diversity of airport partnerships. His leadership, innovation and strategic approach have been integral to winning and extending numerous airport contracts, and leveraging SSP America’s reputation and experience as the premier food & beverage provider in travel locations through the oversight of its marketing, public relations and communication efforts. 

Pat’s background in restaurant management and concept development prepared him well for the multi-discipline environment of the food and beverage travel arena. Pat began his hospitality career with Al Copeland Investments at Copeland’s of New Orleans where he rose through the ranks from entry-level Manager to Senior Vice President of Operations. During his 14 year tenure with the organization, Copeland’s grew from 8 restaurants in 3 states to 55 restaurants in 13 states. Pat then served as Director of Concept Development at HMS Host before joining SSP America.   

Pat holds a bachelor’s degree in Government – US Foreign Policy from Cornell University.
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Ady Iwano is the Vice President of Human Resources and is responsible for HR initiatives across North America. In parallel with SSP America’s growth in size and maturity, Ady has recruited and hired the talent needed to sustain the company’s high quality offerings for successful delivery within its North American marketplace. Her expertise in HR policy and procedure, employee retention strategies, succession planning, and labor relations, ensures HR administration of the maximum caliber; developing outstanding leaders and driving stronger employee engagement.

Ady brings a wealth of HR experience in the food & beverage industry, primarily gained during her nine years with Wegmans Food Markets.

Ady holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Syracuse University and is an active member of SSP Group’s International HR Board.
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As Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Callaway is responsible for overall operations of SSP’s 200+ restaurants across its U.S., Canadian and Caribbean divisions. Kevin leads the implementation of operational initiatives and training programs to create both the structure and team necessary to support SSP’s continued growth and its commitment to continuous improved service and quality delivery to its guests.

Kevin came to SSP with a 20-year Senior Management background in the restaurant arena. Much of Kevin’s valuable experience was gained through his tenure with Brinker International, where he worked in Franchise Business Development and Operations. His responsibilities included the management of Macaroni Grill and Chili’s franchising in Europe, Australia and Canada. Following his career with Brinker, Kevin served as COO for two start-up companies operating branded multi-units in the Washington D.C. area, growing the businesses and overseeing all aspects of infrastructure development from purchasing and construction to concept development and marketing.

Kevin joined SSP in 2007 as Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region. Keeping pace with SSP America’s spectacular growth and demonstrating a high level of managerial skill, Kevin was promoted to his current position.
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Pat Carroll is the Vice President of Brands and Concepts for SSP America. With more than 20 years experience and strong relationships within the food travel industry, Pat has brought an ingenious mix of new and exciting national and regional concepts to North American airports. His deep stable of franchise knowledge and negotiating expertise has resulted in the closure of multiple license and brand agreements. Leveraging Pat’s industry experience with SSP’s vision has, and will continue, to successfully revolutionize travelers’ dining experiences across the North American market.

Prior to SSP, Pat was Vice President of Branded Concepts at HMS Host. His previous work included relationships with Starbucks, Yum! Brands, and Brinker. Pat also worked for the California Corporation and the Carnation Company managing their Northern California Restaurants.
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Expertise

We don’t just say that we’re the Food Travel Experts – we mean it .

• Consumer insight
• Food
• People
• Environments