Jul 10, 2014

Tom Fricke Steps Down as CEO of HMSHost; Steve Johnson Named President and CEO

Milan, 10th July 2014 – Autogrill S.p.A. (Milan: AGL IM) announced today that HMSHost President and CEO, Tom Fricke, will be leaving the company as his contract comes to completion. Mr. Fricke will be relocating back to his home in Atlanta, but will continue serving HMSHost in an advisory role. Autogrill is pleased to appoint industry veteran Steve Johnson as HMSHost’s new President and CEO.

“Since he joined the company in 2012, Tom has led HMSHost in reshaping the travel dining experience, creating a level of excellence in food & beverage, customer service, and innovation that is unmatched in the industry,” said Gianmario Tondato Da Ruos, Autogrill Group CEO. “I thank Tom for his role in setting the company on a strong foundation to continue growing and developing our business.”

“After reviewing the progress we’ve made, I am very pleased to be able to hand the reins over to Steve and my colleagues at HMSHost. I am extremely confident that Steve is the right person to successfully lead the team in tackling the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead,” said Tom Fricke. “It has been a privilege to work with Steve, and all of my colleagues at HMSHost and Autogrill. The team’s passion for excellence has been an inspiration that I will carry with me into the future.”

Steve Johnson has played a critical role in the growth and development of the business at HMSHost over the last 14 years, most recently as Executive Vice President of Business Development, which included overseeing the business development, design & construction, and restaurant development teams. He has led the winning and/or extending of major airport and motorway contracts, as well as the enhancement of HMSHost’s restaurant portfolio, including new proprietary concepts, and new international, national and local brand partnerships.

“Steve has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and the necessary ability to lead HMSHost into the future,” said Mr. Tondato. “His expertise in client relations and delivering bottom line results are the right combination to secure HMSHost’s leadership position. “I look forward to continuing our successful journey at HMSHost as President and CEO,” said Mr. Johnson. “I’d like to thank Tom for his many contributions toward bringing the company to where it is today, and positioning us for the exciting future that lies ahead.”