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.
In the last 12 months, Papa John's has hired a global CMO, chief people officer and several board members including Shaquille O'Neal, making it one of the most active brands to freshen up its leadership. Its latest new hire of a chief restaurant operations officer will create additional oversight over its franchised and corporate restaurants and could have dramatic impacts on its North American operations.
Check out more company leadership changes across the industry below:
July 10
REGO Restaurant Group: Thomas Harper has been hired as VP of international development, according to QSR Magazine. The company recently launched a new program to expand its international footprint for Quiznos and Taco Del Mar. Harper previously worked for Franchise World Headquarters and Tandem Ventures. He also has experience at Yum Restaurants International, which included a portfolio of Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, A&W and Long John Silver's.
July 9
Bonchon: Flynn Dekker has been appointed as CEO of the Korean restaurant chain, which has 92 units in the U.S. and 345 globally, according to a press release sent to Restaurant Dive. His previous positions include CMO at Wingstop and CMO at Rave Restaurant Group.
&pizza: The fast casual pizza chain has made three executive changes as it gears up to double the company's size within the next two years, according to a press release. It promoted Andy Hooper from chief people officer to president and COO and will oversee all business operations and procedures and help position the brand for additional growth. Chef Erik Bruner-Yang has been hired as executive chef and will revamp the menu for the first time since the start of the company. John Reepmeyer has been hired as the company's CFO after serving as CFO at Roti and VP of finance at Potbelly.
July 8
Papa John's: Jim Norberg has become the pizza chain's chief restaurant operations officer. He will oversee the operations of the chain's corporate and franchise restaurants in North America, according to a press release. He previously served at McDonald's for over 30 years, most recently as EVP and COO. He oversaw operations for 14,000 U.S. restaurants. After working at McDonald's he became an independent strategic advisor for restaurants, hospitality, entertainment and consumer goods organizations.
CraftWorks Holdings: Former Pei Wei CFO Jim Lebs has been appointed CFO at the holding company, which owns several brewery and specialty restaurants, according to Restaurant Business. Lebs also previously held the position of CFO at Cicis Pizza and VP of supply chain at Sonic. He joins the company following the appointment of Marc Buehler as president of the company in late June.
