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Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® has named Roland Gonzalez as its new chief executive officer. Gonzalez will lead the legendary brand’s next phase of global growth and evolution, having played a key role in its transformation over the last 2 years as chief operations officer. He succeeds Joe Guith, who was named to the post in 2022. Prior to joining Church’s Texas Chicken®, Gonzalez held senior leadership roles at major quick-service restaurant brands, including Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, where he implemented successful global growth strategies and delivered high-impact …

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Indianapolis — Leading sports retailer Lids has appointed Greg Cox as the company’s new chief financial officer (CFO). Cox, who has been with Lids for 8 years, has held a variety of accounting and finance leadership roles. In his new position, he will oversee the company’s finance, loss prevention, human resources and information technology departments. “Greg’s deep understanding of Lids’ operations and financial strategy, combined with his leadership experience, makes him uniquely suited to take on this critical role,” says Bob Durda, president of Lids. “His vision for simplifying and …

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Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, global specialty coffee and tea house, has appointed Tara Hinkle as the new president and head of Americas. She joins the company from Taco Bell and Starbucks. “We are thrilled to welcome Tara Hinkle as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s new president and head of Americas,” says Jose Pepot Miñana Jr., CEO for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. “With her leadership in franchise growth and strategy, Tara is set to drive our expansion across the Americas. Her expertise and …

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San Diego — Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. has appointed three new leaders to Petco’s executive team. Sabrina Simmons, former chief financial officer at Gap, Inc., has been named chief financial officer, effective Feb. 17; Michael Romanko, former chief merchandising and marketing officer at Five Below, Inc., has been named chief customer and product officer, effective Feb. 24; and Jack Stout, former executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at 7-Eleven, Inc., has been named chief merchandising officer, effective Feb. 24. “Today’s appointments represent a significant evolution of Petco’s …

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Irving, Texas — The Michaels Companies, Inc. has named David Boone as its new chief executive officer, effective Feb. 28, 2025. Boone will also serve on the company’s board of directors. “As we enter an exciting period of opportunity for Michaels, we are pleased to welcome David to the company,” says Andrew Jhawar, chairman of the board of directors. “David is a proven business leader with the strategic vision, customer focus and vast retail experience to continue to drive Michaels forward.” Boone is currently the interim CEO of Essendant, a …

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Lexington, Ky. — Tempur Sealy International, Inc., which recently acquired Mattress Firm, has named its own chairman and CEO, Scott Thompson, as interim CEO of Mattress Firm following CEO John Eck’s recent decision to step down. Mattress Firm is the nation’s largest mattress specialty retailer. In the meantime, Tempur Sealy has entered into a consulting agreement with Eck to ensure a smooth transition. The company expects to appoint a new CEO of Mattress Firm within the next 6 to 9 months.   “We thank John for his successful 6 years at …

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Tampa, Fla. — Kelia Bazile has been promoted to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill where she will be responsible for leading the operations and development for more than 190 Carrabba’s locations. Carrabba’s offers authentic Italian cuisine and is one of four brands in the Bloomin’ Brands portfolio. “Kelia has a proven track record of creating and maintaining high executional standards that drive sales and a warm guest experience,” says Mike Spanos, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. “She builds strong teams with a hospitality-first mindset and is a true servant leader.” …

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Atlanta — NCR Voyix Corporation, a leading global provider of digital commerce solutions, has promoted Darren Wilson to executive vice president and president, retail and payments, effective immediately. He previously served as executive vice president and president, international. “Darren is a proven, growth-oriented leader and trusted colleague who has already added tremendous benefit since joining NCR Voyix last year,” says James G. Kelly, president and CEO, NCR Voyix. “I look forward to working with Darren as we continue to drive enhanced value for our existing base of retail customers and …

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Philadelphia — In 2024, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard opened 39 new locations, including 10 international shops, for a total of 575 operating units. The company continued its rapid growth in existing markets while expanding its reach in the Midwest, Michigan, Ohio and Texas, among other states. The company has also made two key recent hires. “We are committed to driving growth and expansion across key markets, enhancing our product offerings through innovative design and development, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to further elevate the customer experience,” says CEO Linda …

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San Francisco — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) has made a series of strategic leadership changes designed to improve the company’s speed and agility, and further its commitment to consumers. These actions will streamline decision-making, drive operational excellence and align the company’s structure with its strategic priorities. “Over the past year, we’ve made bold moves to transform Levi Strauss & Co. into a world-class denim lifestyle retailer, and we’re seeing the results,” says Michelle Gass, president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. “We believe success is built on clarity …

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