Anthony Joseph, who has been with Concessions International for 16 years, has left to become vice president of administration for fast-food giant White Castle.
Joseph was president for the last 10 years of his tenure at Concessions International.
He leaves the company and the airport industry grateful for the opportunities he’s received and excited for the new challenge ahead.
Joseph says he’s always enjoyed the family-owned nature of Concessions International and adds that he looks forward to a similar – albeit much larger – situation at White Castle. Lisa Ingram took over as CEO of White Castle this year, replacing her father, Bill Ingram. Her great-grandfather, E.W. “Billy” Ingram, founded the company in 1921.
“This is a chance to work for a brand and to get deeper on the restaurant side of the business,” he says.
Joseph says he appreciates the opportunity he had to work with Herman Russell, the philanthropist and entrepreneur who founded both Concessions International and H.J. Russell & Co., a general contracting firm, both of which have grown substantially and participated in projects in Atlanta and nationwide.
“He’s a legend,” says Joseph, adding that he watched closely and learned from Russell on how to build relationships and partnerships and evaluate business opportunities. “I was fortunate to be able to work closely with him and get his guidance.”
Joseph says he was proud to leave with Concessions International on an upswing. The company has operations in eight airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) in its hometown.
In recent years, Joseph has worked closely with Donata Russell Major, Herman Russell’s daughter, who first recruited him to the company. She is now CEO of Concessions International, and she will take on Joseph’s responsibilities while the company conducts a search to find a successor.
Russell Major, in an announcement sent to stakeholders, thanked Joseph for his contributions to the company, which included a focus on strategic planning, client relations and organizational effectiveness.
“Most significantly, he reshaped many of our systems and processes that will continue to help our company function more professionally, effectively and efficiently for years to come,” Russell Major says. “He will certainly be missed.”
