Restaurant companies made several big moves this week in their C-suites, most notably with Jack in the Box's CEO announcing his impending departure, joining a long list of CEO changes that have occurred this year. Red Robin, Papa John's, Blaze Pizza, McDonald's and Yum Brands all hired new chief executives in 2019. 

Check out more executive news below:

Dec. 12

Dunkin' Brands: Scott Murphy has been promoted to president of Dunkin' Americas from his role as Dunkin's U.S. chief operating officer, according to a press release. He takes over the role from Dave Hoffmann, who will continue to serve as Dunkin's CEO. Murphy has been with the company for 15 years and will be responsible for all aspects of operations, restaurant development, franchising, field marketing, supply chain and consumer packaged goods for Dunkin's restaurants in North and South America. Prior to joining Dunkin' in 2004, he worked with A.T. Kearney. Additionally, Dana Reid was promoted to vice president, field marketing, Dunkin' U.S.    

Dec. 11

Jack in the Box: CEO and chairman Lenny Comma plans to leave the company after six years as CEO and 18 years with the chain. The company is beginning a search for a new CEO and will consider both internal and external candidates. Comma has not yet indicated his exact exit date. 

Dec. 10

Potbelly: After a year at Potbelly, Chief Financial Officer Thomas Fitzgerald will leave the company, effective Dec. 27 and will become the CFO at Planet Fitness. Potbelly is now searching for his replacement, according to a press release. 

McDonald's: The restaurant company named Ian Borden as president, international, according to a press release. He previously served as president, international developmental licensed markets and was promoted following Joe Erlinger's elevation to McDonald's USA president. In his new role, he will oversee all international markets, including international operated markets that are wholly owned markets outside the U.S.

Garden Fresh Restaurants: The parent company of Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes hired Victor Phan as the company’s first VP of supply chain operations and development, according to Fast Casual. He previously worked at Bumble Bee Foods, KPMG and the Department of Defense.

Nathan's Famous: The company named Erik Mallon and Jim Hicks as senior director of franchise development and director of operational services and training, respectively, according to a press release. Mallon has over 25 years of experience and has worked at both retailers and QSRs as a franchiser and franchisee, most recently working at Huntington Learning Centers as director of company center operations and VP, franchise development. Hicks has over 25 years of senior management experience and corporate support, most recently serving as county director, US West for Subway. He has also worked at Johnny Rockets, Fresh Enterprises, El Pollo Loco and Prandium Restaurants.

Dec. 9

Noodles & Company: Stacey Pool will become the company's chief marketing officer, effective Dec. 30, according to a press release. She previously worked at Vail Resorts under various roles, but most recently served as SVP of corporate marketing.

Pizza Hut: The pizza chain's U.S. chief brand officer Marianne Radley left the company after a little over a year, according to Restaurant Business. A replacement has yet to be announced and the company did not provide a reason for her departure.

McDonald's: The fast food chain appointed Catherine M. Engelbert to the company's board of directors, according to a press release. She currently serves as commissioner for the Women's National Basketball Association, where she sets the vision for the WNBA, oversees business and basketball operations and is focused on bolstering the visibility of the WNBA. Prior to joining the WNBA, she served at Deloitte, most recently as CEO for four years. She was the first woman to lead a Big Four professional services firm with over 100,000 employees. Engelbert also serves on the board of directors for Catalyst, a global nonprofit that works to accelerate women into leadership.

Black Bear Diner: Joe Adney was hired as the company's chief marketing officer while Camille Chavez was named vice president of training and development, according to a press release. Adney previously led marketing efforts at Bob Evans Farms, IHOP, Baskin-Robbins USA and Shari's Management Corporation. In his new role, he will oversee marketing and advertising efforts across multiple channels. Chavez will oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive employee training programs companywide. Chavez, who has over 30 years of training experience, recently served at Farmer Boys Foods.