Meet the team

Group Chief Executive Officer

Simon Smith is Group CEO at IVC Evidensia, following a successful 30-year career in the retail and travel industries. Before joining IVC Evidensia, Simon was Group Chief Executive Officer at SSP Group plc for three years, following five years as CEO for UK and Ireland. During that time, he substantially grew the business and then helped to steer the travel food retailer through the enormous challenges presented by Covid-19. 

He started his career as a graduate buyer at Fenwick before moving to Allders and then Safeway, before spending ten years at WHSmith in the Travel Division, driving growth and international expansion, with roles including Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director. He graduated from Leeds University with a first-class honours degree in economics and social history.