Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles, known for its iconic Southern food, has promoted Nick Swanson as the new vice president of business insights and analytics. In addition to experience with Bojangles, Swanson has a wealth of knowledge in leveraging consumer insights and data-driven decision-making to foster growth among notable brands in retail and consumer packaged goods. Since joining Bojangles in 2019, Swanson has been instrumental in fostering a strong data-driven culture within the company. His efforts have accelerated growth in both existing and new markets by closely partnering with marketing, operations, …
people
Janesville, Wis. — Blain’s Farm & Fleet® has promoted Mark Hasting to chief executive officer and president. Kim Treece will be promoted to chief stores officer. Jane Blain Gilbertson will take on a new role as executive chair of the board and will remain the sole owner of Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc. The transition will take place over the next several months and will be complete in September. “This succession plan was put into place 4 years ago when we hired Mark to join our company …
Hudson, Ohio — JOANN, the nation’s category leader in fabric and sewing and one of the fastest growing competitors in the arts and crafts industry, has appointed Michael Prendergast, a managing director in Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group, as acting chief executive officer of JOANN. Prendergast is an experienced executive who has helped companies transform successfully and has served as an interim leader for other retailers. Chris DiTullio and Scott Sekella, who served as co-leads of the interim office of the CEO since May 2023 and led JOANN …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s®, has appointed Justin Falciola as chief technology & growth officer for both brands. He joins CKE from Papa Johns. In this new role, Falciola will align business goals with information technology, digital strategy and operations, as well as guide the implementation of new technologies and support the digital evolution of loyalty, first-party and third-party digital channels. “We are excited to welcome Justin to the organization,” says Max Wetzel, CEO of CKE. “As technology continues to …
Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Claire’s Holdings LLC has appointed Chris Cramer as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. Cramer will also continue to serve in his roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Cramer succeeds Ryan Vero, who will step down as CEO and from the company’s board of managers, effective immediately. “Since joining Claire’s last year, Chris has demonstrated extensive operational and financial leadership and helped drive our strategic roadmap,” says Samantha Algaze, chairman of the Claire’s board. “His impressive track record and more than 25 years of …
New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Stephanie Sentell to the role of chief operations officer, effective July 1, 2024. She is a seasoned restaurant executive and most recently served as senior vice president of company operations at Inspire Brands, where she oversaw the operations of more than 1,100 company-owned Arby’s restaurants across the United States. “I have known Stephanie for more than 10 years and she is one of the most dynamic and compassionate leaders that I have ever worked with,” says Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake …
Atlanta — US LBM, a leading distributor of specialty building materials in the United States, has named Russell Tiejema executive vice president and chief financial officer. Tiejema succeeds Patrick McGuiness, who retired from the company last year. Most recently, Tiejema was executive vice president and CFO with Masonite International Corporation, a leading global designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior doors for the residential and non-residential construction, repair and renovation markets. Tiejema began his career with General Motors, holding multiple financial leadership roles with the automotive manufacturer, and later served …
Lincolnshire, Ill. — Camping World Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest recreational vehicle dealer, has announced that its president, Brent Moody, and its chief financial officer, Karin Bell, plan to retire on December 31, 2024, with their resignations effective July 1, 2024. Matthew Wagner will be appointed president, and will continue to serve as principal operating officer. Tom Kirn will be appointed CFO, and will continue to serve as principal accounting officer. “Brent, Karin and I have been together since the beginning, helping both formulate and lead our company,” says Marcus …
Dallas — Rusty Taco has named Daniel Smith, former chief operating officer at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, as its president. With over two decades in the industry holding executive-level positions, Smith brings a proven track record of high-performing restaurant operations and seamless brand experiences for guests. In his new role, he will lead the brand to strengthen its position in the fast-casual space and execute its strategic growth plans. Smith’s journey in the restaurant industry began with Claim Jumper Restaurants, where he ascended through various roles over his 26 years with …
Brea, Calif. — CoolSys, the market-leading provider of sustainable refrigeration, HVAC, energy and engineering solutions, has added to its executive leadership team as the company positions itself for continued growth and expansion. The company has expanded its C-suite with the appointment of Alan Johansen as chief financial officer and Brady Bagwan as chief people officer. In addition, CoolSys appointed John Harrison as president, commercial and industrial division (C&I). “CoolSys has an exciting future as it enters into a new chapter in its successful legacy. These new executive team appointments support …