This is the latest installment in a series that highlights major executive changes at top fast casual, QSR and casual dining chains over the past week.
Just a few months after its acquisition by Opes, BurgerFi has brought on fresh leadership, which will likely help the company as it becomes public. The new CEO, former Burger King executive Julio Ramirez, brings several decades of experience, especially with international franchising, which could help provide a new growth trajectory for the 125-unit chain.
Check out more executive news below.
Oct. 12
Qdoba: Jeannie Cho joins the fast casual restaurant as chief marketing officer, where she will lead the company’s marketing and brand strategy to unlock additional growth for the company, according to a press release. Cho has held several roles at PepsiCo, most recently as vice president of marketing for the Frito-Lay portfolio.
Oct. 15
Starbucks: Lucy Helm, executive vice president and chief partner officer, plans to retire on Oct. 30, according to an SEC filing. Effective Nov. 2, Angela Lis, currently senior vice president of global business partners, will be promoted to Helm’s position. Lis has been with Starbucks for 25 years and has been responsible for building the company’s employee base to enable growth and deliver the company’s strategic plan, according to Starbucks’ website. Helm will continue with Starbucks in an advisory role until Dec. 1.
Oct. 16
BurgerFi: Former Burger King executive Julio Ramirez has been hired as the company’s CEO, according to a press release. Ramirez has nearly 30 years of experience in the burger industry and served in several senior positions at Burger King, including president of the Latin America/Mexico/Caribbean division, senior executive of franchise operations and development in North America and executive vice president/chief operations officer. While at Burger King, he effectively managed over 1,100 franchisees in its North American operations and introduced the brand to over 10 countries in Latin America. After leaving Burger King in 2011, Ramirez founded JEM Global, a company that specializes in helping QSRs and fast casuals with franchising and development domestically and internationally. He consulted with Dunkin’ Brands and Buffalo Wings & Rings.
