Nicholas Schaefer has been promoted to lead the travel concession operator’s expansion across the US, Canada and Latin America
Executive Vice President of Business Development Nicholas Schaefer | Photo credit: SSP America
SSP America has promoted Nicholas Schaefer to Executive Vice President of Business Development, responsible for leading the travel F&B retailer’s expansion across the US, Canada and Latin America.
Schaefer joined SSP America, a division of global travel concession operator SSP Group, in January 2022 as Vice President of Central and South America and steps into the role vacated by Pat Murray, who was appointed SSP America CEO in January 2025.
“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,” Murray said.
Schaefer began his F&B career at fast-casual chain Quiznos in 2003 before taking on senior development roles at Extreme Pita and Restaurant Growth Brands. He served as Vice President of Business Development for airport hospitality group Delaware North 2009-2015 before joining JAB Holding Company-backed Einstein Noah Restaurant Group to lead outlet expansion for its Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah’s New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel brands.
Formed in 2006, SSP America operates 270 licensed and proprietary foodservice brands across 53 airports in North America, as well as LF Wade International Airport in Bermuda and GRU Airport – Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo, Brazil. Its portfolio of licensed café brands includes Dunkin’ and Peet’s Coffee, as well as Starbucks and Bridgehead Coffee in Canada.