Executive News: Page 2
-
Deep Dive
Brian Niccol was hired to transform Starbucks. Is that possible?
Niccol must contend with the coffee chain’s growing brand identity and consumer perception problems, and balance its “third place” value proposition with efficient digital fulfillment.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 9, 2024 -
Papa Johns hires ex-Wendy’s CIO as digital chief
Kevin Vasconi joins his old boss, Todd Penegor, in leading the pizza chain as it looks to improve its value proposition and continue franchised growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 9, 2024 -
First Watch appoints CIO
Rob Conti, who previously served as SVP of information technology, has been instrumental in the company’s rollout of business intelligence, pay-at-table technology and other systems.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 4, 2024 -
Whataburger CEO to retire, COO will succeed
Debbie Stroud will take the helm of the burger chain at the end of the year, following Ed Nelson’s departure.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 4, 2024 -
BJ’s Restaurants hires On the Border CEO as president, chief concept officer
Hiring Lyle Tick, who worked at beverage-heavy concepts like Buffalo Wild Wings, may signal a greater emphasis on BJ’s brewhouse roots.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 3, 2024 -
A look back at August’s frantic restaurant CEO switch-ups
In four weeks, at least eight restaurant companies named new CEOs as sliding sales and declining traffic pushed brands to try turnarounds.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 30, 2024 -
Fat Brands signals development strategy with new hires
The multi-brand platform hired Ammy Harrison, a Papa Johns alum, to lead non-traditional development and Maiyo Hood, a Subway Greater China vet, to lead its international efforts.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 29, 2024 -
KFC names US marketing, development chief to bolster turnaround efforts
Catherine Tan-Gillespie, a company veteran, will hold dual roles related to marketing and development as KFC tries to break out of a slump.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 29, 2024 -
Chipotle moves up CFO start date
Adam Rymer and Jack Hartung will start in their positions as CFO and president and chief strategy officer, respectively, on Oct. 1.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 29, 2024 -
Black Bear Diner appoints P.F. Chang’s vet as COO
Art Kilmer brings decades of restaurant experience at P.F. Chang’s and Steak and Ale to his new position.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 29, 2024 -
BJ’s Restaurants CEO, president Gregory Levin steps down
C. Bradford Richmond, current board director and former Darden CFO, will become interim CEO upon Levin’s departure.
By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 28, 2024 -
Checkers & Rally’s names CEO, president
Chris Tebben, who has worked at Mars, Starbucks, P.F. Chang’s and Pizza Hut, becomes the company’s top executive following Frances Allen’s departure.
By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 28, 2024 -
Sweetgreen hires Starbucks alum to head development
Suburban growth and automated stores are major priorities for the salad chain, which is hiring Nothing Bundt Cakes’ CDO, Christopher Tarrant.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 26, 2024 -
Red Lobster gets another CEO
The chain’s pending owner has hired Damola Adamolekun to head up the reorganized company, which is planning to close 23 stores at the end of August.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 26, 2024 -
Bloomin’ names Delta Air Lines exec as CEO
Michael Spanos, Delta’s executive vice president and COO, joins Bloomin’ as it works on turning around operations after slumping sales.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Aug. 26, 2024 -
BurgerFi hires chief restructuring officer
The move comes just days after the chain expressed “substantial doubt” over its ability to continue operating given its current financial situation.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 23, 2024 -
Tony Roma’s names permanent CEO
Mohaimina Haque’s appointment marks a “new chapter” at the chain as it seeks to reduce costs and grow internationally.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 22, 2024 -
Will Brian Niccol’s customer experience success as CEO of Chipotle translate to Starbucks?
The executive spearheaded mobile ordering upgrades and better order fulfillment at Chipotle. Experts say the same lessons could improve customer experience at Starbucks.
By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 19, 2024 -
Chick-fil-A names new president
Susannah Frost will be responsible for providing strategic clarity and ensuring sustainable growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 16, 2024 -
What Starbucks’ new CEO choice could mean for the company
Analysts predicted new products and advertising would be immediate points of emphasis for incoming CEO Brian Niccol, with major changes looming on the horizon.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 14, 2024 -
Chipotle appoints Scott Boatwright as interim CEO
Following Brian Niccol’s move to Starbucks, the chain’s long-tenured COO will lead it as the board of directors seeks a permanent CEO.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 13, 2024 -
Starbucks names Brian Niccol as its CEO
Brian Niccol, who has been CEO at Chipotle since 2018, joins the chain as it continues to face declines in traffic and comparable sales.
By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 13, 2024 -
Popeyes appoints PepsiCo marketer as new CMO
Bart LaCount will serve as chief marketing officer in North America after previous CMO Jeff Klein was promoted to president at the fried chicken chain.
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 12, 2024 -
Panera Bread nabs Papa Johns CMO following menu overhaul
The sandwich and soup spot, which is plotting an IPO, is appointing an experienced QSR marketer known for a digital-first approach.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Papa Johns appoints former Wendy’s chief as CEO
Todd Penegor joins the chain as it implements its Back to Better 2.0 plan, an initiative to boost marketing spend and create incentives to accelerate franchise development.
By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 1, 2024