May 16, 2014

HMSHost Appoints Derryl Benton Vice President of Business Development

BETHESDA, MD — Global restaurateur HMSHost announced today the appointment of industry expert Derryl Benton as Vice President of Business Development, responsible for developing and overseeing key client relationships.

“We are very pleased Derryl is joining the HMSHost Business Development team. Derryl has been an industry icon for over 20 years and his leadership qualities and strong relationships within the concession industry will be a great asset to our organization,” said HMSHost EVP and Chief Development Officer Steve Johnson.

Benton joins HMSHost after holding leading development roles at Hudson Group, where he was responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities in North America, and working with the company’s Government Affairs department in maintaining relationships with the nation’s city mayors, city councils, and other public officials.

Prior to Hudson, Benton was Director of Concessions/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, where he oversaw the operations of a $500 million concessions program which included rental cars, food & beverage, news, and specialty retail. In this role he also administered the Authority’s small business diversity in procurement policies. Before becoming Director of Concessions, he was Director of Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWVE) Programs for the Authority, during which he received the FAA’s DBE Liaison Officer Certification.

Before joining the airport industry, Benton was Vice President of SunTrust Bank, where he gained extensive experience in residential and commercial lending. Benton attended Business Management University of Central Florida, and American Institute of Banking, University of Florida. He has received numerous accolades over the course of his career and is heavily involved in the community, with roles in several organizations such as Chairman, Board of Directors, Golden Triangle YMCA; Vice President, Lake Sumter Mental Health Center and Hospital; and a member of the Commission Advisory Board, among many others.