SSP Group plc, an operator of restaurants, bars, cafes and other food and beverage outlets in travel locations across 36 countries, has announced the appointment of Karina Deacon as independent non-executive director of the company with effect from 1 January 2025. She will be a member of both the audit and nomination committees.

Deacon currently serves as non-executive director and chair of the audit committee of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA, an airline company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. In addition, she is a non-executive director and chair of the audit committee of VELUX A/S, the Danish-based manufacturer of roof windows, and a non-executive director of Maersk Training A/S.

Deacon has a strong financial background and significant experience, having held various management positions at large, Danish-listed companies. She spent 13 years with the facilities management company ISS A/S, four years as group CFO of the cleaning equipment manufacturer Nilfisk A/S, and four years as CFO of Saxo Bank A/S. From early 2020 to May 2024, Deacon served as group CFO of the shipping and logistics company DFDS A/S.

Mike Clasper, chair of the SSP Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Karina to the Board of SSP. She has strong financial experience, having worked as a CFO in several listed companies and will bring relevant travel and services industry insight, alongside additional breadth and diversity, to the Board as it focuses on delivering SSP’s strategic priorities. ”

SSP operates sit-down and quick-service restaurants, cafes, lounges and food-led convenience stores, principally in airports and train stations. Outlets include franchise brands, such as M&S Simply Foods, Starbucks and Burger King.