Executive News
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Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Former Chuck E. Cheese exec takes Dave & Buster’s CFO seat
The change comes as Dave & Buster's looks to drive growth through a dining experience overhaul, among other initiatives.
By Alexei Alexis • April 25, 2024 -
Courtesy of Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop taps Applebee’s vet as CMO
In his new role, Patrick Kirk will oversee all aspects of marketing, including advertising, digital marketing and culinary and beverage innovation.
By Julie Littman • April 23, 2024 -
Permission granted by MOD Pizza
Mod Pizza hires Raising Cane’s exec as CMO
Jennifer Anderson brings nearly two decades of marketing and culinary experience to her new position, where she will oversee digital marketing, menu development and consumer insights and engagement.
By Julie Littman • April 17, 2024 -
Moses Robinson via Getty Images
KFC names new CFO amid push to boost sales
The finance leadership change comes as KFC struggles with dwindling traffic in a dicey economic environment.
By Alexei Alexis • April 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop hires former RBI exec as CEO
Jeff Galletly will oversee operations, store development, franchise expansion and menu innovation as the chain expands in new markets.
By Julie Littman • April 10, 2024 -
Permission granted by Checkers & Rally's
Checkers & Rally’s CEO resigns
Frances Allen, who has led the chain since 2020, oversaw the deployment of a modern image redesign and voice artificial intelligence at drive-thrus.
By Julie Littman • April 5, 2024 -
Courtesy of CKE Restaurants
CKE names Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. US brand presidents
Blake Devillier joined Carl’s Jr. as president, USA on April 1, after Chris Bode was appointed president of Hardee’s USA in the fall, signaling a growing divergence in brand identities.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 4, 2024 -
Courtesy of Bloomin' Brands
Bloomin’ promotes Michael Healy to CFO
Healy took the role when Christopher Meyer retired on April 1, as Bloomin’ faces uneven performance across its restaurant chains.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 4, 2024 -
Permission granted by Marco's Pizza
Marco’s Pizza appoints COO as it aggressively franchises
John Meyers previously served as SVP of finance and analytics at the chain and will now oversee departments like technology, supply chain and operations.
By Julie Littman • April 2, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chester's Chicken
Chester’s Chicken hires EVP of supply chain
Since Bill Rice joined the chain in January, the chicken brand has already launched a supply chain optimization study.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 2, 2024 -
Courtesy of Rave Restaurant Group
Rave Restaurant Group appoints 6 execs, including new CFO
The company hired Jay Rooney as chief financial officer as it focuses on growing its buffet concept while overall unit count shrinks.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 27, 2024 -
Courtesy of Yum Brands/Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut US president resigns
David Graves is leaving the chain after serving four years in multiple roles, and global CEO Aaron Powell will assume his responsibilities for the time being.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 26, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Red Lobster appoints another CEO
Jonathan Tibus, who helped chains like Kona Grill and Krystal during bankruptcy, joins the struggling seafood chain following Horace Dawson's retirement.
By Julie Littman • March 25, 2024 -
Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Starbucks names new chief procurement officer
Heather Ostis will focus on improving supplier performance and building network resiliency, among other goals.
By S.L. Fuller • March 25, 2024 -
Courtesy of Papa Johns
Papa Johns CFO takes interim-CEO post
Ravi Thanawala, who has been CFO since 2023, will step in to lead the company as Rob Lynch leaves to take the helm at Shake Shack.
By Julie Littman , Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 21, 2024 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Shake Shack hires Papa Johns’ Rob Lynch as CEO
Lynch will succeed Randy Garutti, who has been at the burger chain for over 20 years, on May 20.
By Julie Littman • Updated March 21, 2024 -
Permission granted by Smashburger
Smashburger appoints Starbucks veteran as CEO
Denise Nelsen, former SVP of U.S. operations at Starbucks, started her new role overseeing Smashburger’s growth and menu innovation in January.
By Julie Littman • March 20, 2024 -
Permission granted by Taco John's
Ex-Auntie Anne’s president joins Taco John’s as CEO
Heather Neary replaces longtime CEO Jim Creel as the taco chain looks to grow within its existing markets and to enter new areas.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 20, 2024 -
Permission granted by Handel's Ice Cream
Handel’s Ice Cream hires former Wetzel’s Pretzels chief as CEO
Jennifer Schuler joins the 130-unit brand after nine years at Wetzel’s, including five years as CEO, as the chain expects to surpass $130 million in systemwide sales this year.
By Julie Littman • March 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski to become board chair
After eight years as chair and 28 years on McDonald’s board, Enrique Hernandez will retire at the chain’s annual shareholder meeting later this year.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of Starbucks, Joshua Trujillo
Starbucks adds regional CEOs, eliminates CMO post
The chain added CEOs for its North America and international divisions to give those regions more autonomy as it pursues its ambitious reinvention plan.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of Qdoba
Qdoba hires Little Caesars exec as chief development officer
Jeremy Vitaro joins the 750-unit chain as it tries to double its store count to 1,500 units in a decade.
By Julie Littman • March 18, 2024 -
Retrieved from 7-Eleven.
7-Eleven taps former McDonald’s and Wendy’s exec to lead restaurant operations
William Armstrong, who spent over a decade with both fast food brands, will spearhead the division that includes Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost Chicken & Biscuits.
By Brett Dworski • March 18, 2024 -
Permission granted by &pizza
How &pizza’s new CEO is transforming the chain’s loyalty program, operations
Burns, who has held the position for over two months, is leading a major tech overhaul at the chain, including a new rewards scheme, app and website.
By Julie Littman • March 14, 2024 -
Courtesy of Popeyes
RBI names CFO, shakes up leadership
The company named Sami Siddiqui as its CFO while Jeff Klein will fill Siddiqui’s previous role as president of Popeyes U.S. Thiago Santelmo was also promoted to president of international.
By Julie Littman • March 14, 2024
