There are new sheriffs in town. Many large- and medium-sized restaurant chains hired new leadership in Q1 as they plot future growth while navigating a volatile economic climate. Of those major companies, seven hired new CEOs, while Fat Brands’ CEO Andy Wiederhorn resigned amid a federal investigation.
Check out who took the top spots at brands like Starbucks, Modern Restaurant Concepts and CKE Restaurants.
Starbucks
Laxman Narasimhan assumed the role of CEO on March 20, 13 days earlier than expected. Interim CEO Howard Schultz stepped down from the post prior to his upcoming testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee on March 29. The hearing will dig into the chain’s response to ongoing labor organizing across its network, which has drawn criticism from legislators, consumers and shareholders.Growing pressure from the union will be among Narasimhan’s biggest challenges. During his first week as CEO, the union launched a 115-store strike.
Narasimhan originally joined the coffee chain in October and has been learning the ropes ever since. Prior to Starbucks, Narasimhan was CEO at consumer health company Reckitt Benckiser Group. He has 30 years of leadership experience.
Most recent positions:
- CEO, Reckitt Benckiser Group (March 2019 to October 2022)
- Global Chief Commercial Officer, PepsiCo (March 2019 to July 2019)
- CEO, Latin American, Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, PepsiCo (July 2017 to May 2019)
Modern Restaurant Concepts
John Cywinski joined Modern Restaurant Concepts as CEO and board member in January after a stint as Applebee’s president. Cywinski replaced Keith Guilbault and Rob McColgan, who served as co-CEOs at the company. Guilbault left the company while McColgan remains president at Modern Market Eatery and Lemonade.
Most recent positions:
- President, Applebee’s (2017 to 2023)
- EVP of Strategic Innovation and Marketing, Brinker International (2014 to 2017)
- President, KFC U.S. (2010 to 2014)
Restaurant Brands International
Joshua Kobza, Restaurant Brands International’s COO, was promoted to CEO effective March 1. Former CEO Jose Cil will remain with the company for one year in an advisory role to help with the transition. Kobza has been with RBI for 11 years, serving in various leadership roles.
Most recent positions:
- COO, Restaurant Brands International (2019 to 2023)
- Chief Technology and Development Officer, Restaurant Brands International (2018)
- CFO, Restaurant Brands International, Restaurant Brands International (2013 to 2017)
True Food Kitchen
John Williams, formerly CMO at Lazy Dog Restaurants, became CEO at True Food Kitchen in March. He replaces Chirstine Barone, who left the chain after six years as CEO. Barone became president at Dutch Bros. In addition to Lazy Dog, Williams also held roles at The Disneyland Resort, General Mills and Nestle, and started his career as a corporate tax and finance consultant at Anderson and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Most recent positions:
- CMO, Lazy Dog Restaurants (2017 to 2023)
- Director of Marketing Strategy, Disneyland Resort (2014 to 2017)
- Senior Marketing Manager, General Mills (2013 to 2014)
The Habit Burger Grill
Habit Burger promoted Shannon Hennessy, president of the chain, to CEO effective June 6. She succeeds Russ Bendel, who is retiring from the chain. Hennessy will report to Yum CEO David Gibbs. Hennessy has been president with Habit Burger since July 2022 and previously held positions at KFC Global Division as CFO and spent almost 20 years at McKinsey & Company.
Most recent positions:
- President, Habit Burger (2022 to 2023)
- CFO, KFC Global Division (2020 to 2022)
- Partner, McKinsey & Company (2005 to 2020)
CKE Restaurants
Max Wetzel joined the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s in March, succeeding Ned Lyerly, who served as CEO for four years. Wetzel previously served as Papa Johns’ COO and has nearly two decades of leadership experience in consumer brands and foodservice.
Most recent positions:
- EVP and COO, Papa Johns (2022 to 2023)
- EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Papa Johns (2021 to 2022)
- Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Papa Johns (2019 to 2021)
Fat Brands
Fat Brands founder and CEO Andy Wiederhorn will resign from his position on May 5, amid a federal investigation. Wiederhorn will remain a board member and controlling shareholder and will become a consultant and strategic advisor to the holding company. An interim CEO will be named prior to Wiederhorn’s departure. Wiederhorn is stepping down amid an investigation into his involvement, along with his son Thayer Wiederhorn, COO of Fat Brands, for alleged money laundering, fraud and misrepresentation to investors. Fat said Andy Wiederhorn was stepping down to “eliminate the distraction” the investigation creates for senior management.
