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.
A handful of leadership changes occurred this week across the restaurant industry, including Famous Dave's hiring of a new marketing director and Yum Brands bringing on a new CFO. These changes could have far-reaching impacts on corporate strategy going forward.
Check out the latest restaurant executive changes below:
June 28
Postmates: Kristin Reinke, VP of finance at Google, has been appointed to Postmates' board of directors as an independent director. She has a wide range of financial expertise and experience, which includes her work at Google and Oracle, according to a press release.
June 27
Famous Dave's: KC Glaser is the company's new director of marketing effective July 8. His new role will include overseeing the marketing calendar and strategy, planning and execution of marketing initiatives and public relations, according to a press release. He previously worked as the director of marketing, guest experience at Buffalo Wild Wings as well as International Dairy Queen.
June 26
Yum Brands: Chris Turner has been appointed CFO, effective Aug. 8. He will be responsible globally for finance, corporate strategy, supply chain and information technology, according to a press release. Turner previously worked as SVP and general manager at PepsiCo's retail and e-commerce businesses with Walmart in the U.S. and more than 25 countries, and across PepsiCo’s brands in beverage, snack and nutrition areas. He also worked at McKinsey & Company. He has about 20 years of strategy, finance, M&A and operations leadership experience.
June 25
Umami Burger: Nate Appleman, who previously worked on menu development as a chef at Chipotle, has been named COO for the fast casual burger chain, according to Restaurant Business. His new responsibilities will include overseeing Umami’s expansion into Accor hotels. This global hospitality company purchased half ot the burger chain’s parent company, SBE, in 2018 and said it would open 100 restaurants within its properties over seven years. John Polizza has also been hired by SBE to serve as VP of operations for Disruptive Restaurant Group, which includes the Umami brand.
June 24
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: Rob Gifford has been promoted to president from his position as EVP, effective July 1, according to a press release. The NRAEF, which is the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, focuses on enhancing the industry’s training and education, career opportunity and community engagement.
