Oct 29, 2012

HMSHost Appoints Neil Thompson Regional Vice President for Canada

BETHESDA, MD – Global restaurateur HMSHost announced today the appointment of Neil Thompson as Regional Vice President for Canada, responsible for leading the company’s Canadian airport and motorway business. Thompson will oversee HMSHost’s eight airport operations across Canada as well as the company’s extensive Ontario motorway service centre business.

“We are excited to have Neil join our team at HMSHost,” said Executive Vice President and COO Patrick Banducci. “He brings a perfect blend of experience and energy to this role, and we are confident that his skills and background will be a significant asset to our operations in the all-important Canada market.”

Thompson recently was Vice President, Canada for Nando’s Flame Grilled Chicken restaurant, where he was responsible for all business functions including operations, the company’s Guest Experience Program, menu enhancement, system alignment to worldwide standards, staff and management training, and marketing. Prior to Nando’s, he held related roles with increasing responsibility at TDL Group Corp, the global owner and operator of the Tim Hortons quick service brand. Thompson’s Tim Hortons regions consistently led the company in achieving speed of service targets, and his experience at TDL included opening the first Tim Hortons at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Before joining TDL, Thompson spent several years in management roles with Pizza Hut.

Thompson has a B.A. from the University of Toronto and his passion for food led him to attain a Culinary Arts Certificate from George Brown College. He has also completed the Hospitality Managers’ Development Course at University of Guelph.

Thompson will be based in Toronto.