UK-based travel food and beverage operator SSP Group has announced Mike Clasper’s plan to step down as chair and director.
The move will take effect following its annual general meeting (AGM) on 23 January 2026.
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SSP group CEO Patrick Coveney stated: “I’d like to personally thank Mike for his considerable service to SSP and for his commitment, insight and support.
“He has chaired the business through a time of considerable change, helping to recover the business from the Covid travel shutdown and strengthen our customer, client and partner footprint across the world.”
The board has begun a search for his successor, led by senior independent director Carolyn Bradley.
If no appointment is made by the 2026 AGM, Bradley will serve as interim chair.
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By GlobalDataShe stated: “The thorough chair search will focus on candidates with the experience to lead the board and work with management to drive strategy and execution as we enter the next phase of delivery. During this interim period, we will be taking steps to ensure strong governance and oversight.”
Clasper became part of SSP as a non-executive director and chair designate in November 2019 and was appointed chair in February 2020.
He stated: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of SSP. As a board, we are finalising SSP’s multi-year strategic and operational roadmap to build on its strong foundations and accelerate the delivery of shareholder value.
“In order to enable the appointment of a new chair who can help realise the full scale of these ambitions in the years ahead, I believe that now is the right time to announce that I will step down from SSP, bringing forward my planned retirement by one year.”
SSP runs more than 3,000 outlets across 38 countries, primarily in airports, railway stations and other travel hubs.
Its formats include sit-down and quick-service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges and food-led convenience stores.
The group operates various food and beverage brands, including Upper Crust and Ritazza.
