A Starbucks coffee shop in Amsterdam Zuid railway station, the Netherlands | Photo credit: Fons Heijnsbroek

SSP Group has appointed former Starbucks executive Alice Theunissen as Managing Director for the Netherlands. 
 

The travel concession operator currently operates 29 licensed Starbucks stores in the Netherlands across 21 train stations and at Eindhoven Airport. The sites were acquired from Dutch railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen in August 2018. 

SSP Group also operates a franchised Jamie’s Deli restaurant and its own brand Tastes from the Lowlands at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining SSP at a time of growth for the business. I’m looking forward to working with the local team and wider global leadership to build on the solid foundations of SSP in The Netherlands and ensure we are the leading food travel company in the country,” Theunissen said. 

Theunissen joins the travel concession operator from 75-store La Place Restaurants where she served as Managing Director from September 2021. She has 12 years’ experience working for Starbucks in the Netherlands, including as District Manager for EMEA Licensed Stores and General Manager for the coffee chain’s franchise partner, Alsea. 

“We’re delighted that Alice is joining SSP. Her extensive experience across own-brand and franchise businesses makes her the ideal candidate to drive further growth for SSP in The Netherlands. We have an ambitious roadmap for the country and I’ve every confidence that Alice will make SSP’s outlets the best part of the journey for our customers,” said Kari Daniels, CEO SSP UK, Ireland & The Netherlands. 

SSP Group operates 2,900 food and beverage travel hub outlets across 37 markets globally. The business posted 19% year-on-year revenue growth in the six months ending 31 March 2024 to reach £1.5bn ($1.9bn) – with sales in Continental Europe rising 11% to £533m ($678m).