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.
Yum Brands CEO Greg Creed is retiring after 25 years with the company and will be replaced by COO David Gibbs effective January, 2020, a transition that could mark a new chapter for the restaurant firm.
Check out more leadership changes below:
Aug. 15
McDonald's: Manager of Culinary Innovation Mike Haracz left his position, according to a Twitter post from Haracz. He has worked at the fast food chain for four years, according to Haracz's LinkedIn page, during which time he helped develop the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders, a widely popular item, and helped bring back McDonald's Szechuan Sauce, a favorite limited time offering from 1998. He will work as a senior corporate chef for Bell Flavors, according to Restaurant Business.
Aug. 14
Dunkin' Brands: The company hired three regional vice presidents to oversee Dunkin' operations and development in key regions, according to a press release. Maria Hollandsworth was named regional vice president for the West while Jorge Salvat was named as regional vice president for the Central Atlantic. Peter Green will oversee the Mid-Atlantic as regional vice president. All three regional vice presidents will report to Dunkin' Brand's Senior Vice President of Operations and Development Rick Colón. Hollandsworth most recently worked at Jack in the Box while Salvat spent 15 years at Burger King and eight years at McDonald's. Green has been with Dunkin’ for almost seven years, previously serving at McDonald's.
Bonchon: Greg Buchanan has been appointed as senior vice president of development and Bryan Shin has been hired as CFO, according to an email sent to Restaurant Dive. Buchanan will oversee the company’s domestic franchise locations, which will include new partnerships with qualified franchisees enhancing the site-selection process, testing new store formats and increasing the development pipeline as the company eyes an additional 500 locations in the U.S. over seven years. He has held positions at TGI Friday's, Darden Restaurants, La Madeleine and Buffet Partners Holding Co. Shin will oversee and analyze financial planning and development. He previously worked at Goose Island Brewing, CJ Foodville and Yum Brands.
Aug. 13
El Pollo Loco: Jason Weintraub has been hired as the company’s chief legal officer, effective Aug. 29, according to a press release. He most recently served at BSH Home Appliances Corp. where he led legal, compliance and enterprise risk management functions. Prior to this position, he worked at Taco Bell. Weintraub's appointment follows several c-suite appointments that have been part of the chain’s transformation strategy. These appointments include Miguel Lorzano as COO, Jennifer Jaffe as Chief People Officer and Hector Muñoz as CMO.
Aug. 12
Yum Brands: COO David Gibbs has been appointed CEO, effective Jan. 1, replacing Greg Creed, who will retire at the end of the year after 25 years at the company. Creed will remain as CEO until the end of the year and then serve as a part-time advisor next year. He also will remain on the board.
