Dive Brief:
- Jack in the Box Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Tony Darden is leaving his role, the company said Tuesday. His departure is part of planned corporate restructuring at the chain.
- Darden has been at Jack in the Box since June 2021 and previously served as president of Mooyah Burgers Fries and Shakes, per his LinkedIn profile.
- Ryan Ostrom, current executive vice president and chief marketing and digital officer will assume responsibility for Jack’s operations in addition to his current role. He will be promoted to the position of chief customer and digital officer effective Dec. 6.
Dive Insight:
Jack in the Box isn’t the only chain to formally eliminate the COO position as part of corporate restructuring. Two years ago, Starbucks dissolved the position concurrent with John Culver’s departure from the chain after 20 years working in various positions. Last year, Bloomin’ Brands removed the chief operating officer for casual dining restaurants position, while Wendy’s cut the chief commercial officer role from its C-suite lineup.
Other chains, including Red Lobster, Denny’s, Black Bear Diner and Shake Shack named new COOs this year.
Jack in the Box’s move will help the chain have a greater focus on “customer centricity,” CEO Darin Harris said.
“[We] are confident that Ryan’s proven leadership and deep understanding of our customers will help us execute that drive,” he said.
Ostrom has been at the chain since February 2021 and has led a digital transformation at Jack in the Box and Del Taco, per the press release. Jack in the Box is in the process of switching out its point-of-sales system for one that will allow for self-order kiosks, which the chain is testing. The brand also updated its iOS version of its app, leading to improved customer experiences, order speed, incremental sales and increased acquisition of loyalty members.
Ostrom will continue to drive Jack in the Box and Del Taco’s initiatives for building brand loyalty and driving operational excellence.
“I am excited to lead this next chapter for the company as this evolution will help us create greater alignment and focus,” Ostrom said. “I am confident that we will navigate this transition seamlessly and continue to drive value for our customers.”
