Davies has held the role since 2004 and played a key role in the travel concession operator’s development into a publicly listed and global food travel business
Outgoing SSP Group Chief Financial Officer Jonathan Davies | Photo credit: SSP Group
Global travel concession operator SSP Group has announced that Chief Financial Officer and company “legend” Jonathan Davies has given notice of his intention to retire after more than 20 years of service.
Davies has been Chief Financial Officer of SSP Group since August 2004 and is credited with leading its listing on the London stock exchange in 2014. He was appointed Deputy CEO in 2021 to help SSP Group navigate the pandemic, when its global travel concession business was severely disrupted by lockdowns and travel restrictions around the world.
In a press release, SSP Group said Davies has played a key role in its transformation into the leading global food travel business, with the company expanding its footprint into North America, India, Australia and the Middle East during his tenure.
Davies, who served as Finance Director the now defunct UK supermarket chain Safeway1995-2004, will remain on SSP Group’s Board of Directors until 30 September 2025 and will continue his Deputy CEO role until 31 December 2025.
“Jonathan is a legend at SSP, and – as a leader and a personality – he has been integral to the success of SSP since its formation more than 20 years ago. It has been a privilege for me to work with and learn from him since I joined the business in 2022. He will leave an enduring legacy,” said Patrick Coveney, CEO, SSP Group.
London-based SSP Group has announced that Geert Verellen will join the company as Chief Financial Officer Designate in early April 2025 and take a seat on the company’s Board of Directors on 9 June 2025.
Verellen has served as Chief Financial Officer at Canadian packaged food company Maple Leaf Foods since January 2020, having previously held senior financial roles at professional services group PwC, Belgian food retailer Delhaize and US supermarket giant Walmart.
“I am delighted to welcome Geert to our team. He is a highly experienced financial leader, with significant and relevant industry, functional and international expertise, and a management style that will enhance and complement our Board and Executive Committee,” Coveney added.
London-based SSP Group currently operates 2,900 travel hub restaurants, bars and cafés across 38 markets globally. Its propriety café brands include Upper Crust, AMT, Soul & Grain and Café Local, while its licensed coffee shop portfolio includes scaled international chains Starbucks, Pret A Manger, Tim Hortons and The Coffee Club.