Executive News
Buffalo Wild Wings hires coffee exec as COO
Buffalo Wild Wings announced on Tuesday the appointment of Ahmed Awadallah as Chief Operating Officer. Awadallah previously served as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Espresso House Group, a European coffee chain under JAB Holdings, for about a year. He worked at Yum Brands for over 14 years, rising to Chief Operating and Customer Officer of Pizza Hut Europe. Industry analysts suggest that this appointment may signal the brand's intention to strengthen international expansion or optimize store experiences.
Jack in the Box names president in CEO succession step
Jack in the Box has appointed Taylor Montgomery as president, effective Sept. 14, setting the stage for him to assume the CEO role within the next year. Montgomery, a former Taco Bell executive, joins the struggling burger chain amid ongoing sales challenges and strategic shifts.
Wendy’s revives COO position
Wendy's is reviving its chief operations officer position after more than six years, following the departure of U.S. President Pete Suerken on Aug. 31. Suerken will return to Quality Supply Chain Co-op, which he led from 2021 to 2025. The company is evaluating restructuring efforts amid falling same-store sales and pressure from an activist investor.
Pizza Hut’s Global CEO resigns
Pizza Hut Global CEO Aaron Powell announced on LinkedIn on Friday that he will step down after the sale of Pizza Hut to LongRange Capital is completed. He said LongRange had tried to retain him, but he decided to leave at this time. Powell joined Pizza Hut in 2021, having previously worked at Kimberly-Clark, Bain, and Procter & Gamble. He did not disclose his successor or his next plans.
Panera Bread hires CMO from Cava as transformation work continues
Panera Bread has announced that Andrew Rebhun will join as chief marketing officer on Aug. 17, succeeding Mark Shambura. Rebhun, previously CMO and chief experience officer at Cava, will oversee brand, digital, loyalty, and media. The move comes as Panera continues its transformation strategy, including a target of $7 billion in systemwide sales by 2028.
McDonald’s USA appoints chief restaurant officer
McDonald's USA President Sky Anderson announced that Patrick Gerber will join the U.S. team and assume the role of Chief Restaurant Officer on September 1. Gerber brings over 25 years of multi-market experience within the McDonald's system, having previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Restaurant Officer for McDonald's UK and Ireland. This appointment comes as the company advances its NEXT strategy and addresses declining customer traffic in the U.S.
Papa Johns changes CMOs, ramps up mass marketing amid struggles
Papa John's announced senior marketing personnel changes and plans to increase mass marketing investment. New Global Chief Marketing Officer Chris Lyn-Sue will succeed Jenna Bromberg, who will remain until August 28 to assist with the transition. The company faced pressure in Q2 results, with global and North American same-store sales declining by 5.7% and 8.3% respectively. CEO Todd Penegor stated that the company will optimize its media mix to balance national awareness with local relevance.
Portillo's Appoints Olive Garden Finance Executive Kevin Kalicak as New CFO
Portillo's announced on Tuesday the appointment of Kevin Kalicak as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, succeeding Michelle Hook, who departed in May to join Shake Shack. Kalicak spent nearly 30 years at Darden, most recently as Senior Vice President of Finance at Olive Garden, overseeing more than 900 restaurants and $5 billion in annual sales.