Milwaukee — According to A. O. Smith Corporation’s board of directors, Ajita G. Rajendra will transition from chairman and chief executive officer to executive chairman of the corporation, effective September 1, 2018 — at which time, Kevin J. Wheeler will assume the role of president and chief executive officer.
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Nashville, Tenn. — Back Yard Burgers has hired Scott Shotter as its new chief executive officer. Axum Capital Partners, Back Yard Burgers’ private equity firm, selected Shotter for his proven track record in operations and success in guest loyalty and team building strategies.
Alexandria, Va. — Fransmart, a leading restaurant franchise development company, has hired veteran business leader Dustin Snyder as chief operating officer. In this newly created position, Snyder will optimize and maximize the company’s franchise marketing and sales productivity, further enhance process automation, and continue to build Fransmart’s team of professionals.
Boston — B.GOOD, an industry pioneer in providing great tasting, locally sourced burgers, bowls, salads and smoothies, has named Brent Feldman as the company’s new chief marketing officer. Previously, Feldman spent the majority of his career as an advertising agency executive, with a focus on the food and beverage industry.
Canton, Mass. — Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc., the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts (DD) and Baskin-Robbins (BR), has appointed David Hoffmann as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. He will also serve on the company’s board of directors and remain president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. The members of the Dunkin’ Brands leadership team will now report to Hoffmann, who is succeeding Nigel Travis. Travis is retiring from the role he has held since January 2009.
Atlanta — Edible Arrangements®, the world’s largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements and all-natural, fresh fruit snacks and dipped treats, has named QSR industry veteran Mike Rotondo its chief executive officer. Previously, he was CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Seattle — IA Interior Architects is growing its retail practice group with the addition of a new team that will be based in Seattle. This group will be led by three retail experts: Mike Riggs, managing director/retail; Ron Singler, design director/retail; and Alex Shapleigh, design director/retail. The new team will work in conjunction with the company’s New York Retail practice group.