Executive News: Page 2


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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    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 Sept. 9, 2024
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    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 Sept. 9, 2024
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    Permission granted by First Watch
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    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 Sept. 4, 2024
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    Courtesy of Whataburger
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    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 Sept. 4, 2024
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    Julie Littman/Restaurant Dive
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    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 Sept. 3, 2024
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    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    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 Aug. 30, 2024
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    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 Aug. 29, 2024
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    Courtesy of KFC
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    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
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    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 Aug. 29, 2024
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    Permission granted by Black Bear Diner
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    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 Aug. 29, 2024
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    Julie Littman/Restaurant Dive
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    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 Updated Aug. 28, 2024
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    The image by Pokemonprime is licensed under CC BY 4.0
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    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 Updated Aug. 28, 2024
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    Courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes
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    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 Aug. 26, 2024
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    Courtesy of Fortress Investment Group
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    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 Aug. 26, 2024
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    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 Updated Aug. 26, 2024
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    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 Aug. 23, 2024
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    The image by Dirk Ingo Franke is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    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 Aug. 22, 2024
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    David Ryder via Getty Images
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    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
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Chick-fil-A names new president

    Susannah Frost will be responsible for providing strategic clarity and ensuring sustainable growth.

    By Aug. 16, 2024
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    (Photo by Scott Olson) via Getty Images
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    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 Aug. 14, 2024
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    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 Aug. 13, 2024
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    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 Updated Aug. 13, 2024
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    Courtesy of Popeyes
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    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
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    Justin Sullivan / Staff via Getty Images
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    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
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    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 Updated Aug. 1, 2024