L-R: Nina Arnott and Emily Baker have joined SSP Group as Director of Global Communications and Senior Corporate Communications Manager respectively. 

SSP Group has strengthened its global communications team with two senior appointments as the travel food and beverage operator looks to further align its communications strategy with its commercial priorities.

Nina Arnott has joined as Director of Global Communications, while Emily Baker has been appointed Senior Corporate Communications Manager.

Arnott joins SSP from Just Eat Takeaway.com, where she led corporate affairs for the UK and Ireland as part of the leadership team. Her previous roles include Vice President of Communications and Reputation for Europe at TK Maxx and HomeSense, as well as senior positions at Domino’s Pizza, the Post Office and GlaxoSmithKline.

Reporting directly to SSP Group CEO Patrick Coveney, Arnott will lead the global communications team, with responsibility for internal and external communications across the FTSE 250 business.

Baker joins following three years in Burson’s global corporate reputation and crisis management practice. She has a decade of experience advising organisations on reputation and corporate brand issues and will lead SSP’s external corporate communications, including reputation management and financial media relations.

SSP’s agency roster includes Sodali & Co for capital markets, Burson for the UK and Ireland and Templemere for commercial and trade PR.

Arnott said: “SSP is a fantastic UK success story on the global stage. I’m focused on making communications a stronger business capability, deepening engagement with our people and demonstrating the value we can bring to commercial outcomes. I’m delighted to be working with Patrick and our leadership team to reinforce and enhance our reputation as the world’s leading travel food and beverage company.”

Coveney added: “Strong, strategic communications are essential for an international business of SSP’s scale and ambition. Nina and Emily bring valuable experience and expertise, and their appointments will strengthen how we engage our people, tell SSP’s story and build the reputation that supports our commercial success.”

SSP employs 49,000 people and operates around 3,000 restaurants, bars, lounges and food-led convenience stores across airports and rail stations in 38 markets. Its portfolio combines bespoke local concepts with international brands including Starbucks, Pret A Manger and Marks & Spencer.

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