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Newk’s Eatery Promotes 20-Year Veteran to COO

by Katie Lee

Jackson, Miss. — Newk’s Eatery has promoted longtime executive Matt Wilson to chief operating officer. Wilson joined Newk’s straight out of college as an assistant manager at the brand’s original restaurant in Oxford, Miss. Over the next two decades, he steadily advanced through the organization, serving in leadership roles across operations, training, restaurant development and franchise support before most recently serving as senior vice president of operations. “Matt’s story is the Newk’s story,” says Chris Elliott, CEO of Newk’s Eatery and FSC Franchise Co. “His career demonstrates what’s possible when talented people are …

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Cracker Barrel Plans CEO Succession

by Katie Lee

Lebanon, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. has appointed David Deno to serve as its next chief executive officer and on the board of directors, both effective Aug. 10, 2026. He succeeds Julie Masino, who will step down as CEO and a member of the board on the same date. Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until Oct. 9, 2026 to support a smooth transition. Deno joins the company from Bloomin’ Brands. “Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome …

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Albertsons Companies’ President and CFO to Retire

by Katie Lee

Boise, Idaho — Albertsons® Companies, Inc. has announced that Sharon McCollam, the company’s president and chief financial officer, plans to retire later this year. McCollam will remain in her role until a successor is named. Thereafter, McCollam will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until the end of the fiscal year, Feb. 27, 2027, to ensure a seamless transition. “Sharon has been an exceptional partner in helping position Albertsons Cos. for its next chapter of growth,” says CEO Susan Morris. “Since joining the company in 2021, she has …

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AutoZone Promotes VP to SVP, Finance

by Katie Lee

Memphis, Tenn. — AutoZone has promoted Grace Sharpley, vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis, to senior vice president, finance, effective July 10, 2026. Sharpley will join the company’s executive committee and report to Jamere Jackson, chief financial officer. Sharpley is a 12-year AutoZoner who has held several progressive leadership roles during her AutoZone career in audit, finance and as vice president, strategy and vice president, merchandising pricing and analysis. “We are very pleased to announce Grace’s promotion and addition to the executive committee. Her leadership, expertise and consistent delivery of …

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PVH Corp. Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — PVH Corp., home to Calvin Klein and TOMMY HILFIGER, has appointed Alexis Rollier as chief financial officer. When he joins the company in early September 2026, Rollier will also join the PVH executive leadership team and report to CEO Stefan Larsson. Rollier brings a strong combination of global finance, operations and omnichannel retail expertise to his new role at PVH. With more than three decades of experience, Rollier joins PVH from Sephora, part of the LVMH Group, where he has served as global chief operating officer …

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Ulta Beauty Names New Chief Technology Officer

by Katie Lee

Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, Inc. has appointed Kelly Garcia as its chief technology officer, effective Aug. 31, 2026. Garcia has been a member of the Ulta Beauty board of directors since 2022. Most recently, he served as the executive vice president and CTO of Domino’s Pizza since July 2012. “Kelly has been an impactful member of our board of directors, providing valuable business insights and technology expertise, including perspectives on emerging technologies such as AI, and we are excited to enhance our executive team with his leadership as our …

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Macy’s, Inc. Appoints CEO of Bluemercury

by Katie Lee

New York City — Macy’s, Inc. has appointed Alexandre (Alex) Choueiri as chief executive officer of Bluemercury. He will join the company on August 3, 2026, reporting directly to Olivier Bron, chief executive officer of Bloomingdale’s. In this role, Choueiri will lead Bluemercury’s overall business and growth strategy, building on the brand’s position as a leading luxury beauty retailer. “Alex is a proven global leader with deep beauty expertise and a record of leading complex global organizations,” says Bron. “He knows how to inspire teams, build culture and drive results …

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International Dairy Queen Hires Chief Technology Officer

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) has hired Phil Crawford to join the company as executive vice president and chief technology officer, reporting to the president and CEO. He leads IT and retail technology for the company and its more than 7,800 DQ® restaurants worldwide. “Technology plays an increasingly critical role in empowering our business for our employees, franchisees and fans,” says Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen. “Phil’s proven success as a restaurant business and technology leader positions us for continued growth as we live …

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Menu Order AI Appoints Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Needham, Mass. — Menu Order AI has appointed Krishna Kumar as fractional chief operating officer (COO), strengthening the company’s leadership team as it expands its AI-powered platform for restaurants and consumers. He brings decades of experience leading artificial intelligence, software development, enterprise technology and global product initiatives. “Krishna’s operational expertise and deep understanding of artificial intelligence make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” says Melissa Butler, founder and CEO of Menu Order AI. “As we continue expanding our restaurant partnerships and consumer platform, his leadership will help accelerate …

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AEO Inc. Announces CFO Transition

by Katie Lee

Pittsburgh — After 25 years, Mike Mathias, executive vice president – chief financial officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., will transition to full-time non-executive strategic advisor to Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman of the board and chief executive officer, effective Aug. 3, 2026. AEO’s new CFO, Ravi Thanawala, joins the company from Papa Johns. He will succeed Mathias as executive vice president – chief financial officer, also effective Aug. 3. To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Mathias will collaborate closely with Thanawala through the remainder of AEO’s 2026 fiscal year and …

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