Zippin hires former SSP and Aramark exec; Jacobus to lead business development

Zippin, which provides checkout-free technologies for brick-and-mortar retail, has hired veteran business development executive, Gary Jacobus, as senior vice president of business development.

Jacobus most recently was with SSP America, a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in travel locations. He increased SSP’s business by over $470 million in annual revenue during his three-year tenure. His proven track record within the sports, entertainment and transportation venue verticals is expected further expand Zippin’s footprint in those markets.

Previously, he held a similar role within Aramark’s sports and entertainment division that serves professional and collegiate sports stadiums and arenas, convention centers and amphitheaters. He also held senior business development positions with the NBA, NFL, IMG and the U.S. Tennis Association. 

“As retailers look beyond the pandemic, they see a world changed forever,” said Zippin chief executive Krishna Motukuri. “Technologies that would normally take several years to achieve mass adoption have become commonplace in a matter of months, and frictionless retail is no exception. Gary’s expertise will help continue our momentum and take advantage of the demand we’re experiencing. His knowledge in both the airport business channels and pro and collegiate sports venues makes him the ideal candidate to lead our global expansion.”

Zippin has been leading the deployment of checkout-free technologies around the world with installations in pro sports stadiums, including the NFL’s Denver Broncos and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs.