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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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Morgan Li Hires New Senior Sales Executive

by Katie Lee

Chicago Heights, Ill. — Morgan Li, a leading manufacturer of custom retail fixtures, branded environments, graphics and commercial furnishings, has added Neal Wright as senior sales executive. Based in Nashville, Tenn., Wright will support retailers and brands nationwide as they develop and execute store environment programs, fixture rollouts and customer experience initiatives. Wright brings more than two decades of experience helping retailers and consumer brands deliver successful in-store environments. Throughout his career, he has partnered with some of the industry’s most recognized fixture, merchandising and point-of-purchase organizations, including Lozier Corporation, …

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Papa Johns Chief Financial Officer Departs; Company Names Interim CFO

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Papa John’s International, Inc. has appointed Chris Collins, senior vice president of corporate finance and principal accounting officer, to the additional position of interim chief financial officer, effective immediately. Collins succeeds Ravi Thanawala, who is leaving Papa Johns to assume a chief financial officer position at another public company. Thanawala will be available to Papa Johns in an advisory capacity until July 31, 2026, to support a smooth transition. Papa Johns has commenced a search for a permanent CFO. Collins is a seasoned finance professional with more …

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Badger Technologies Names Retail Industry Veteran as Next CEO

by Katie Lee

Nicholasville, Ky. — Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil Inc., has appointed retail industry veteran John Gehre as chief executive officer. He brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning merchandising, inventory management, supply chain and store operations for top retailers, including Bass Pro Shops, Michaels, The Container Store and H-E-B. As CEO, Gehre will lead Badger Technologies’ next phase of growth, focused on accelerating innovation across the robotics and AI capabilities that power the company’s retail intelligence solutions, strengthening customer relationships and expanding adoption of its …

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Lands’ End Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Dodgeville, Wis. — The board of directors of Lands’ End, Inc. has appointed Charlie Cole as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective July 13, 2026. He will succeed Andrew McLean, who will step down as CEO and a member of the board of directors. “Our responsibility as a board is to ensure Lands’ End has the right leader for every stage of its evolution,” says Josephine Linden, chair of the board of directors. “Charlie has spent his career transforming iconic consumer brands by combining disciplined operating …

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Domino’s Announces CEO Succession Plan

by Katie Lee

Ann Arbor, Mich. — Russell Weiner, chief executive officer of Domino’s Pizza Inc., intends to retire following a distinguished career. The Domino’s board of directors has appointed Joe Jordan, currently chief operating officer and president – Domino’s U.S., as CEO, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Jordan will also join the board at that time. Weiner will transition from CEO to executive chairman designate on Oct. 1, 2026, and become executive chairman following the company’s 2027 annual shareholder meeting. David Brandon, executive chairman, will retire and not stand for reelection to the …

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Best Buy Announces CEO and CFO Transition

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Best Buy Co., Inc. has announced that Matt Bilunas will step down as chief financial officer and depart the company at the end of July. A search is underway for its next CFO, who will partner with incoming CEO Jason Bonfig. Bonfig will become the company’s sixth CEO when he officially takes over the role on Nov. 1, 2026. Current CEO Corie Barry, who previously served as CFO, will provide financial oversight during the transition if needed. Bilunas served as CFO for the last 7 years. “We wouldn’t …

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Five Below Names New Executives

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — Five Below, Inc. has appointed Rodney Lastinger as chief retail officer and Christos Yatrakis as chief legal officer. Lastinger will be responsible for leading the operational performance of the company’s nearly 2,000 stores and joined the company on June 22, 2026. Yatrakis will oversee the company’s legal function and joined on June 15, 2026. Both executives will report to Kenneth Bull, chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Rodney and Christos to the Five Below crew,” says Winnie Park, chief executive officer. Lastinger has extensive experience leading …

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Kohl’s Names New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Menomonee Falls, Wis. — Kohl’s has named Elliott Rodgers as its new chief operating officer, reporting to CEO Michael J. Bender. In this role, Rodgers, who brings more than 20 years of strong cross-functional leadership experience, will be responsible for Kohl’s enterprise operations, including its nearly 1,200 stores, global supply chain and distribution centers, procurement and loss prevention. He will assume the role on Sept. 9, 2026. “We are thrilled to welcome Elliott to our senior leadership team as we continue our transformational efforts to drive the business forward,” says …

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