St. Louis — Panera Bread has created a new Office of Transformation & Strategy, with Nikka Copeland heading up the new office as senior vice president. In this role, Copeland will manage the strategic execution of Panera’s 3-year growth plan, driving business model clarity that will be instrumental as the company transforms for sustained performance and growth. Copeland joined the Panera executive team on June 24, reporting to CEO Paul Carbone. Copeland brings more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries including foodservice. She is known for leading enterprise-wide …
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Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, Inc. has named Chris Lialios, its senior vice president – controller, as interim chief financial officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Paula Oyibo, who has left Ulta Beauty. The company has commenced an external search for a permanent successor with the assistance of a leading executive search firm. Lialios has served as senior vice president – controller since 2018 with responsibility for the company’s financial reporting, internal controls and accounting policy. He joined Ulta Beauty in 1999 as assistant controller. “Chris has been a respected leader …
San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. is pleased to announce the return of Shannon McKinney as senior vice president, chief operating officer and new member of the executive leadership team. He was first with Jack in the Box from 2019 until 2021. McKinney brings more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience with a deep understanding of driving operational efficiency and a proven track record of developing high-performance teams and delivering best-in-class team member and guest experiences. He started out his quick-service and fast-casual restaurant operations career in …
Houston — Tailored Brands, Inc. has named John Tighe as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective August 5, 2025. He will also join the board of directors. Peter Sachse will transition from his current role as CEO to become executive chairman of the board. Sachse was first appointed to the board in March of 2021, led the company’s transformation as co-CEO alongside Bob Hull beginning in 2021 and was named sole CEO in February 2024. Tighe joined Tailored Brands in May 2021 as executive vice president and chief customer …
Louisville, Ky. — The board of directors of Yum! Brands, Inc. has unanimously elected Chris Turner as chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2025. Turner currently serves as chief financial & franchise officer for Yum! Brands. He succeeds current CEO David Gibbs, who, in March 2025, informed the board of directors of his intention to retire in the next year after 37 years with the company and a successful tenure as CEO. Turner has served as Yum! Brands’ CFO since 2019 and expanded his role to include chief franchise officer …
Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay has appointed Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer (CDO). This move underscores the brand’s continued momentum and dedication to building a powerhouse franchise network. He joins the company from Little Caesars Pizza. With nearly three decades of experience in the QSR and franchising spaces, Cunningham brings a wealth of expertise to Bobby’s Burgers. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of the brand’s franchise development strategy, with a focus on new market expansion and both traditional and non-traditional growth opportunities …
El Segundo, Calif. — Fabletics, the world’s largest digitally native activewear brand, has expanded Meera Bhatia’s role from chief operating officer (COO) to Fabletics’ president and COO, and promoted Carly Gomez to chief marketing officer (CMO). As Fabletics enters its next phase of growth, both leaders will continue to play critical roles in propelling the brand forward, enhancing customer engagement and driving operational excellence. “Meera and Carly have been exceptional leaders for our team during a pivotal point in our growth trajectory,” says Adam Goldenberg, co-founder and CEO of Fabletics. …
Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed veteran restaurant operations leader Clint Penfield as its new chief operating officer. In this role, Penfield will oversee systemwide operations and focus on building scalable infrastructure to support franchisee growth, while preserving the brand’s bold identity and relentless focus on guest experience. Penfield brings over two decades of leadership from Raising Cane’s, one of the most admired growth stories in the restaurant industry. During his tenure, he held multiple senior roles — including chief of restaurant services, senior vice president of restaurant services, and …
Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has named Brian Wallunas as chief technology officer. In this role, Wallunas will lead the company’s digital strategy, with a focus on implementing customer-centric technology solutions that drive operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience and fuel brand growth. Most recently, Wallunas served as chief technology officer at Smokey Bones. Under his leadership, online sales tripled, and the brand’s guest engagement capabilities were significantly enhanced. “Brian is a forward-thinking technology leader with a deep …
Louisville, Ky. — The chief financial officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Chris Monroe, is no longer with the company. He was hired on June 28, 2023. The board of directors has appointed Keith Humpich, vice president of finance, as interim CFO until a permanent successor has been identified. Humpich, who served as interim CFO from January 2023 to June 2023, has more than 30 years of accounting, audit and finance experience. He joined Texas Roadhouse in February 2005 as the director and then senior director of internal audit. In 2021, …