SSP America’s Oscar Hernandez Appointed to Concepts and Development Leadership Role

Feb. 18, 2022
Veteran restaurateur joins winning development team focused on growth.
SSP America
Oscar Hernandez
Oscar Hernandez
Oscar Hernandez
Oscar Hernandez
Oscar Hernandez
Oscar Hernandez

SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has appointed restaurant veteran Oscar Hernandez to the role of vice president of Concepts and Development. In this role Hernandez will serve as a key liaison to airport accounts with the goal of ensuring SSP America delivers authentic restaurants to airports that reflect a "taste of place."    Hernandez will also lead efforts to pursue a portfolio of new business opportunities which includes the responsibility of identifying brands in each of these markets.

A 25-year restaurateur veteran, Hernandez has been part of the aviation industry since initially joining SSP America in 2007. He most recently served in role of regional vice president of operations managing a significant portfolio of business located in the western region of the United States and Canada. Hernandez was responsible for delivering operational excellence and outstanding customer service while building strong relationships and open communication with airport executives, joint venture partners and brands. Hernandez was named SSP America’s Director of the Year and has been consistently recognized for his region’s outstanding financial performance. 

Hernandez will report to Patrick Murray, deputy chief executive officer and president of SSP America’s new Central and South America region. Murray commented, “As SSP America sharpens its focus on growth as we emerge from the pandemic, we need food travel experts who have a deep and broad set of restaurant experiences and passion for bringing authentic culinary experiences to the airports we serve. Oscar’s career with SSP America is interesting because he opened one of our first group of restaurants at a new airport. He’s one of the rare individuals with the level of experience needed to do what we do. We’re incredibly excited that he’s taken on this important role and look forward to his contributions.”