people

REI Co-op Names VP, Controller and VP of Distribution and Fulfillment Operations

by Katie Lee June 28, 2023

Seattle — REI Co-op has promoted two leaders within the finance and supply chain teams. Michelle Kirkpatrick has been promoted to vice president, controller, while Ruchi Christensen is now vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations. “Michelle and Ruchi are both widely trusted leaders who have been instrumental in keeping co-op growth initiatives and operations running smoothly and efficiently,” says Kelley Hall, executive vice president, chief financial officer. “Their business savvy and values-led approach will continue to have positive impact not only on their respective teams but how the co-op …

June 28, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

Blaze Pizza Names New Chief Development Officer and COO

by Katie Lee June 27, 2023

Los Angeles — Blaze Pizza has named industry veterans Kevin Moran and Johnny Tellez to its executive leadership team. As the newly appointed chief development officer (CDO) and chief operations officer (COO), respectively, they arrive during a pivotal phase of advancement for the dynamic brand, keen to enrich the customer journey, pioneer operational initiatives and expand its domestic and global footprint. “We are pleased to announce the addition of Kevin and Johnny to our executive team at Blaze Pizza. Their outstanding qualifications and proven track record of success assure us …

June 27, 2023

News people retailers

Academy Sports + Outdoors Promotes SVP to EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer

by Katie Lee June 23, 2023

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. has promoted Matt McCabe to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, effective June 25, 2023, succeeding Steve Lawrence, who recently transitioned to chief executive officer. McCabe will report directly to Lawrence. McCabe has served as Academy’s senior vice president, general merchandise manager, footwear since September 2017. He joined the company in December 2016 as vice president, divisional merchandise manager, athletic and licensed apparel. Prior to joining Academy, he served as vice president at Golfsmith International. He has also held various merchant …

June 23, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

Savvy Sliders Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee June 21, 2023

Detroit — Michigan-based Savvy Sliders has named QSR veteran Bryon Stephens as chief development officer. Stephens brings 35 years of industry knowledge to the Savvy Sliders brand. With 35 stores open today, and another 30 in development, Stephens will guide the 3-year-old brand to a growth trajectory of more than 500 stores over the next 48 months. “With Bryon’s leadership and knowledge, this unique partnership will lead us to explosive growth throughout the world,” says Happy Asker, founder and CEO of Savvy Sliders. While at A&W Restaurants, Stephens spearheaded the …

June 21, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

Smokey Mo’s Welcomes New CFO

by Katie Lee June 20, 2023

Austin, Texas — Popular family-friendly Texas restaurant Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ has named Martin Hornsby as its new chief financial officer. “Bringing Martin to Smokey Mo’s will support more financial opportunities for franchising and corporate strategy,” says Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ. “Smokey Mo’s is in the beginning stages of a substantial growth plan and we are very excited to add Martin’s financial and franchising expertise to our team.” Having worked as chief financial officer for companies such as Alamo Drafthouse and Sport Clips Haircuts, Hornsby’s experience, …

June 20, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

Smashburger Appoints Interim President

by Katie Lee June 16, 2023

Denver — Smashburger has appointed Jose Miñana Jr. as interim president in place of Carl Bachmann upon his departure from the company on June 30th. Miñana is the chief sustainability and public affairs officer for Smashburger’s parent company, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and will serve as the president until the permanent lead executive has been appointed. Miñana has over 25 years of experience working for the Jollibee Foods Corporation and has held multiple positions within the global restaurant company. Before being named the chief sustainability and public affairs officer in 2019, …

June 16, 2023

News people retailers

The Athlete’s Foot Names New VP of Marketing and Community Engagement

by Katie Lee June 15, 2023

Atlanta — The Athlete’s Foot has named a new vice president of marketing and community engagement, Darius Billings. He has been with the company for 15 years, currently as the senior director of marketing of StAART at The Athlete’s Foot USA. Previously, Billings has had roles at Nike and AND1 Basketball, an American footwear and clothing company specializing in basketball shoes, clothing and sporting goods. In 2020, Billings was motivated by the Black Lives Matter Movement protests and economic disparities within the Black community to use his platform to do …

June 15, 2023

News people retailers

Five Below, Inc. Names CFO and Treasurer

by Katie Lee June 14, 2023

Philadelphia — Five Below, Inc. has named Kristy Chipman as chief financial officer and treasurer, effective July 17, 2023; she will report to Joel Anderson, president and CEO. Chipman succeeds Ken Bull, who recently assumed the role of chief operating officer of Five Below. Most recently, Chipman was executive vice president, CFO and COO at Ruth’s Chris Hospitality Group. Chipman will lead the company’s finance and accounting organization, overseeing SEC reporting and financial operations, financial planning & analysis, investor relations, internal audit, enterprise risk management, tax and treasury and serve …

June 14, 2023

News people restaurants

BurgerFi International Inc. Names New CFO

by Katie Lee June 13, 2023

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — BurgerFi International Inc., owner of leading fast-casual brand BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings, is making a change in senior leadership as Christopher Jones will be joining as chief financial officer on July 10, 2023. Jones is replacing the current CFO, Mike Rabinovitch, who is transitioning to Lionheart Capital as a senior advisor. Lionheart Capital along with its founder and the company’s executive chairman, Ophir Sternberg, is the company’s largest shareholder. Rabinovitch will remain in his role as CFO until July 10, 2023 and …

June 13, 2023

News people retailers

rue21 Appoints New EVP, Chief Customer Officer

by Katie Lee June 8, 2023

Pittsburgh — Leading fashion destination rue21 welcomes Karlyn Mattson as the new executive vice president, chief customer officer. She has over 25 years of experience at global retailers including Target, Amazon, Macy’s and, most recently, GNC. At rue21, Mattson will help bolster the brand’s ethos, bringing a personalized approach to understanding, meeting and exceeding shoppers’ needs. “Karlyn’s industry leadership and dedication to customer needs is perfectly aligned with our mission at rue21,” says Josh Burris, president and CEO of rue21. “Her unique background will be invaluable as we continue to …

June 8, 2023

Newer Posts

Older Posts