Global restaurateur HMSHost, a world leader in creating dining for travel venues, today announces the appointment of company veteran Richard Bennett as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he will oversee HMSHost operations of food and beverage concepts in nearly 80 airports in North America.
“I am delighted for Richard to join the HMSHost executive team as our new COO,” said HMSHost President & CEO Steve Johnson. “His intimate knowledge of our business, passion for people-focused hospitality, and decades of achievement are a perfect match for our organization as we experience rapid passenger and sales growth.”
Richard’s distinguished hospitality career with HMSHost spans 25 years, and he brings an established track record of overseeing complex multi-unit operations to the role. He is deeply invested in maximizing growth opportunities for our people and supporting our airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprise partners’ growth and success in the airport environment. Richard most recently served as Vice President of Operations with responsibility for the Western United States. Before HMSHost, he was with Universal Studios and Foodbrand LLC.
“I look forward to continuing the important work of HMSHost to deliver the best in travel dining. We have a tremendous amount of opportunity ahead of us. I am honored to be trusted to lead an exceptional team as we continue to enhance offerings for guests,” said HMSHost Executive Vice President & COO Richard Bennett.