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Dog Haus Adds to Executive Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Dog Haus is following up the announcement of a 50-unit development deal with the appointment of Chris Rigassio as president and chief development officer, and Garen Khodaverdian as chief operating officer. Beyond their franchisee deal and leadership roles, they also joined the brand’s partnership, alongside company founders Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener, as well as CEO Michael Montagano. Reporting directly to Montagano, the seasoned franchise leaders will oversee the brand’s planned 1,500-unit expansion across new and existing markets — beginning immediately with their first location …

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Sweetgreen Appoints SVP, Chief Strategy Officer

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Sweetgreen, Inc. has appointed Cindy Olsen as the company’s senior vice president, chief strategy officer, a newly created role reporting to CEO Jonathan Neman, effective immediately. Olsen joins Sweetgreen from Chipotle Mexican Grill. “Cindy is known for her ability to drive profitable growth through a disciplined approach to strategic decision-making,” says Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “She is the perfect addition to the executive team at this juncture in our transformation, with deep consumer and restaurant industry experience and a track record of bringing rigor …

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Playa Bowls Enhances Leadership to Support North American Expansion

by Katie Lee

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, the nation’s leading superfruit and acai bowl brand, is expanding its leadership team with a series of key appointments and promotions as it prepares to grow beyond 400 shops nationwide. Jayson Tipp, formerly chief development officer, has been named chief growth officer, expanding his role to oversee development, technology and digital marketing while leading the brand’s enterprise growth strategy. In his stead, Playa Bowls has appointed Patrick Turek as chief development officer. In this role, Turek will lead franchise development, real estate, design and construction, …

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Wendy’s Appoints New President and CEO

by Katie Lee

Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company’s board of directors has appointed Robert D. “Bob” Wright as Wendy’s new president and chief executive officer, effective May 21, 2026. Most recently with Potbelly, Wright also joins the Wendy’s board of directors. Prior to his current post, Wright served as president and chief executive officer of Potbelly Corporation. Prior experience includes multiple senior leadership roles at Wendy’s, including as executive vice president, chief operations officer, as well as leadership positions at Charleys Philly Steaks, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and Domino’s Pizza, Inc. “Following …

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Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Names New Leadership in the Pottery Barn Brands

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has promoted Jennifer Kellor to president of Pottery Barn. “Over the course of her 29-year tenure, Jen has demonstrated an exceptional track record of driving growth and incubating brands,” says laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. “Jen’s deep brand leadership, merchandising, design, e-commerce and marketing expertise has led the Pottery Barn children’s home furnishings businesses to over $1.1 billion in annual revenues.” Since joining the company as an assistant buyer for the Pottery Barn catalog, Kellor has played an instrumental role in the …

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Target Names EVP, Chief Global Supply Chain and Logistics Officer

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Target Corporation has named Jeff England as executive vice president, chief global supply chain and logistics officer, effective May 31. England will report to Lisa Roath, Target’s chief operating officer, and will be responsible for accelerating Target’s supply chain plans to improve its shopping experience. “Guests come to Target for great style, design and value — and they trust we’ll be in stock and ready for them every time they shop,” says Michael Fiddelke, chief executive officer of Target. “Elevating that guest experience is one of our top …

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Gap Inc. Appoints President and CEO of Banana Republic

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Gap Inc. has named Donald Kohler to join the company as global brand president and CEO of Banana Republic beginning in July 2026. He will be based in San Francisco. Kohler is a seasoned leader with more than three decades of experience across the luxury, premium and specialty retail markets. He joins Banana Republic from PVH Corp., where he most recently served as CEO of PVH Americas, overseeing Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and the company’s regional retail, e-commerce, wholesale and licensing businesses. Prior to PVH Corp., Kohler …

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Jack in the Box Inc. Names Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

San Diego — The board of directors of Jack in the Box Inc. has appointed Mark King as executive chairman and interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. King, a member of the board since November 2025 and its chair since March 2026, succeeds Lance Tucker. Alan Smolinisky, a member of the board since November 2025, has been appointed lead independent director. King previously served as CEO of Taco Bell Corp., where he led franchise operations and enhanced consumer engagement during a period of significant growth. He also served as CEO …

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Ahold Delhaize USA Names New SVP to Lead Data and AI

by Katie Lee

Salisbury, N.C. — Grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA has named Vipin Gopal, Ph.D., as senior vice president. In the role, he will serve as the chief data and artificial intelligence (AI) officer for the U.S. businesses. Reporting to the chief information officer, Ann Dozier, he will lead data, analytics and artificial intelligence strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business. He will play a critical role in transforming enterprise data foundations, accelerating responsible AI adoption and enabling greater value …

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Shake Shack Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Michelle Hook as its chief financial officer, effective May 11, 2026. She brings more than two decades of financial and operational leadership experience in the restaurant industry, with a proven track record of scaling growth companies and building high-performing teams. “We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the Shake Shack team,” says Rob Lynch, chief executive officer of Shake Shack. “She brings deep restaurant industry expertise and significant public company experience to the role.” Hook joins Shake Shack from Portillo’s, where …

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