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IHOP President to Retire; Successor is Appointed

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — IHOP®, a leader in the family dining restaurant sector, has announced that Jay Johns will retire after 16 years at Dine Brands and nearly 6 years as president of IHOP. Johns will step down from his role on January 6, 2025, but will remain involved with the company in an advisory capacity until March 2025. Lawrence Kim, previously chief innovation officer at YUM! Brands, has been appointed president designee, effective October 21, 2024, and will assume the title of IHOP president on January 6, 2025. Since joining …

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Red Lobster Exits Bankruptcy; New CEO is Named

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — In mid-September, The Red Lobster® restaurant chain exited Chapter 11 restructuring following the company’s acquisition by a new owner: RL Investor Holdings LLC. RL Investor Holdings is an entity created by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC, alongside co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch. “Red Lobster is now a stronger, more resilient company, and today is the start of a new chapter in our history,” says Damola Adamolekun, the new CEO of Red Lobster. “From the opening of our first restaurant in 1968, …

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Target Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Target Corporation has named Jim Lee as chief financial officer, effective Sept. 22. He will be responsible for financial planning and analysis, finance capabilities, internal audit, accounting, investor relations, treasury, tax, risk, financial products and services and corporate development. He succeeds COO Michael Fiddelke.  “As a successful leader in finance and strategy, Jim will oversee the central role our finance team plays in fueling our long term profitable growth,” says Brian Cornell, chair and CEO, Target. “With decades leading core finance functions and nurturing growth, Jim will complement …

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The Wendy’s Company Names Executive Leadership Appointments

by Katie Lee

Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company has appointed John Min as its chief legal officer and secretary and Mary Greenlee as senior vice president, U.S. operations. Min will report to Wendy’s president and chief executive officer, Kirk Tanner; and Greenlee will report to the president, U.S., Abigail Pringle. Min succeeds E.J. Wunsch, who was appointed as Wendy’s president, international in June 2024. “I’m pleased to welcome John and Mary to the Wendy’s team,” says Tanner. “John’s proven track record of managing complex commercial transactions, his extensive background in legal strategy …

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Smalls Sliders Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed industry veteran and financial expert Dan Hurwitz as its new chief financial officer. In his new role, Hurwitz will focus on supporting investment decisions to drive profitable growth for Smalls Sliders as the brand continues expanding its capabilities as an industry disruptor. With over two decades of experience managing and overseeing the financial growth of several known brands, Hurwitz will play a key role in Smalls Sliders’ growing leadership team. Hurwitz’s background includes his most recent position as CFO of Philz Coffee, where he …

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Target Names New Chief Legal and Compliance Officer 

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Target Corporation has named Amy Tu as chief legal and compliance officer and corporate secretary. In her new role, Tu now leads the company’s legal, compliance and corporate governance functions. She succeeds Don Liu, who recently announced his upcoming retirement and will transition to a strategic advisory role. Tu joins Target’s leadership team and will report to Brian Cornell, chair and CEO. “Amy’s experience, both in legal and business leadership, offers strong continuity at the top of our legal affairs and compliance teams,” says Cornell. “Her stewardship will help …

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Smashburger Appoints Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Denver — Smashburger® has appointed Jim Sullivan as chief development officer. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for overseeing all facets of restaurant development, including market planning, site selection and franchise sales, with a strategic focus on elevating Smashburger’s brand identity in the fast-casual space. “We are thrilled to welcome Jim Sullivan as Smashburger’s new chief development officer,” says Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger. “Jim brings unparalleled expertise, passion and a deep understanding of the fast-casual industry that will be instrumental in driving our ambitious expansion plans both domestically …

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Books-A-Million Appoints SVP and Chief Accounting Officer

by Katie Lee

Birmingham, Ala. — Books-A-Million has promoted Damian Doggett to the position of senior vice president and chief accounting officer. “This promotion is a recognition of Damian’s years of strong and creative leadership of our accounting, tax and payroll departments, along with his critical role in supporting our transition to new technology platforms,” says Terrance G. Finley, chief executive officer of Books-A-Million. “It is gratifying to have someone of Damian’s experience and dedication in a position to help us meet the evolving challenges and tremendous opportunities in the years ahead.” Since …

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Tillys, Inc. Appoints Co-Founder/Chairman as President and CEO

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Tilly’s, Inc. and its board of directors have appointed Hezy Shaked, the company’s co-founder and executive chairman of the board, as its president and chief executive officer. “As the co-founder of this 42-year-old company, there is no one who cares about it more deeply than I do,” Shaked says. “I remain fully committed and enthusiastic about making every effort to work toward improving our business.” Shaked had been serving as the company’s interim president and chief executive officer since January 21, 2024, and served as president and …

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USSI Global Names Director of Sales and Business Development, Digital Signage and Technology Group

by Katie Lee

Melbourne, Fla. — USSI Global has added an experienced AV and digital signage professional to its leadership team as the company prepares for business growth in a thriving industry sector. Christina Murgo joins USSI Global’s Digital Signage and Technology Group as director of sales and business development, effective immediately. She reports to Amanda Flynn, chief revenue officer. USSI Global’s holistic approach to project management covers an entire spectrum of services that brings the world’s largest digital signage projects to life. The company’s thoughtful structure positions it as among the few …

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