Bernal will chair the Association’s Board of Directors for 2026 and 2027.

The Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA) has elected Areas USA CEO Carlos Bernal to chair its Board of Directors for 2026 and 2027.  He succeeds Bryan Loden of HMSHost by Avolta, who will continue to serve as Immediate Past Chair.

Bernal has more than two decades of experience in airport concessions and travel retail. As CEO of Areas USA, he led the 2025 acquisition of Delaware North’s Travel Hospitality Services, making Areas the largest privately held travel hospitality company in the US.

“We’re excited to have Carlos take the helm of ARRA in his new role as chair,” noted ARRA Executive Director Andrew Weddig. “He has been a valued member of the board since the Association’s founding in 2020.

“Carlos’ wide-ranging experience and leadership will be invaluable in guiding our mission to support airport concessionaires and the millions of travellers ARRA members serve each year.”

“The airport industry has navigated an unprecedented period of change, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and innovation,” commented Bernal.

“I’m grateful to be elected to this role and, having served alongside many of my fellow board members, I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish together. I’m honoured to work with the ARRA board to help strengthen the airport experience and position our industry for long-term growth.”

The Association has also announced the election to the board of OTG Management’s Jeff Yablun, as well as the re-election of Greg Plummer (Concord Collective) and Kevin Westlye (High Flying Foods).

“As we look ahead to the future of ARRA, I want to especially thank Bryan for his outstanding contributions as chair leading the Association through the industry’s difficult recovery from the pandemic,” added Weddig.

“I also thank and greatly appreciate our outgoing board members Scott Socha (Delaware North) and Courtney Thornton (Hudson), who added invaluable insights from their many years of diverse experience in the travel industry.”

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