Walter Seib

Walter Seib is CEO of Northern, Eastern and Central Europe for Avolta, the world’s leading travel experience player. Avolta’s geographically diverse network caters to up to 2.3 billion passengers each year, with 5,100 travel retail and food & beverage stores in 73 countries.

Walter assumed his current position in March 2023 following the business combination of Dufry and Autogrill. He partners with general managers across the 17 countries in the business unit to enhance growth and operational excellence, and collaborates with global functions to drive value.

Prior to joining Avolta, Seib had been CEO at HMSHost International since 2012, responsible for the Northern European, Asia Pacific, Indian and Middle Eastern markets. Before that, he served as CEO of leading Dutch fast-casual restaurant chain La Place.

Walter had previously spent time with HMSHost International from 1993, when he held roles at Schiphol Airport and HMSHost Netherlands. He was also Senior Vice President and has been on the Senior Executive Team for HMSHost Corporation.

Walter is an active member in the foodservice industry, serving as Chairman of the Board for the FoodService Institute Netherlands since January 2020, as well as member of the Supervisory Board of ISS Netherlands, HAK and the Het Rijk Golf courses. He serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Hotel Management School Maastricht, where he also gives biannual guest lectures, and for ACROSS Magazine.

Throughout his career, Walter has preserved his customer-centric approach, building it into the company culture as he brings his unique brand of attention to his people, his business partners and importantly, his travellers.

Born in Vienna, Austria, Walter studied at the Gastgewerbefachschule School of Hotel Management and began his professional career with management roles at Wescho Gastronomie and Mövenpick.