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Vicky Bakery Appoints New CEO; Continues Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee May 22, 2023

Miami — Vicky Bakery, South Florida’s original family-owned Cuban bakery since 1972, has named Mauricio Romero as its new chief executive officer. This announcement comes as Vicky Bakery is experiencing record-setting growth, continuous double-digit revenue gains, the opening of multiple new locations, and new strategic investments. Former CEO Alex Santiago will remain dedicated to his leadership role on Vicky Bakery’s board of directors. Romero comes to Vicky Bakery from his nearly 40-year career in the restaurant franchise industry where he has served in a variety of executive roles. Most recently, …

May 22, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

TGI Fridays CEO to Step Down

by Katie Lee May 22, 2023

Dallas — Ray Blanchette, chief executive officer of TGI Fridays, is stepping down. Rohit Manocha, chairman of the board and co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, will be assuming Blanchette’s responsibilities in the interim. The TGI Fridays executive team will report directly to Manocha. Blanchette led TGI Fridays for the past 5 years, managing the company through a successful turnaround that included both national and global growth as well as through the turbulent impacts around the COVID-19 pandemic. TriArtisan is the lead investor in TGI Fridays with extensive holdings in the …

May 22, 2023

News people retailers

Albertsons Companies Names EVP and General Counsel

by Katie Lee May 19, 2023

Boise, Idaho — Albertsons Companies, Inc. has hired Tom Moriarty as its new executive vice president and general counsel, effective June 5, 2023. He joins Albertsons from CVS Health and will report to CEO Vivek Sankaran. Moriarty succeeds Juliette Pryor, who left Albertsons Cos. in April to pursue another career opportunity. Moriarty brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience to Albertsons Cos., including senior positions across legal, corporate strategy, policy and operations. Most recently, he spent more than 10 years with CVS Health, serving in roles of increasing …

May 19, 2023

News people restaurants

FAT Brands Strengthens Leadership Team, Including 2 New Brand Presidents

by Katie Lee May 18, 2023

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has elevated Jenn Johnston to the role of chief marketing officer. Since the acquisition of Global Franchise Group in July 2021, Johnston has held the role of president of the quick-service division at FAT Brands, overseeing brands including Round Table Pizza, Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery and Pretzelmaker. With the promotion, Allison Lauenstein and David Pear will assume brand president roles. Lauenstein will serve as brand president of Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery and Pretzelmaker. She brings over a …

May 18, 2023

News people retailers

AutoNation Hires Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee May 18, 2023

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Leading automotive retailer AutoNation, Inc. has hired Thomas Szlosek as its new executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO), effective in early August 2023. Szlosek will report to CEO Mike Manley and serve as a member of the senior leadership team, overseeing accounting, treasury, tax, audit, business analysis and planning, investor relations, finance operations, risk management and real estate services. “A proven CFO who has helped drive change and innovation, Tom has a great track record not only for being instrumental in helping to drive …

May 18, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

Wetzel’s Pretzels Names New Brand Leader

by Katie Lee May 18, 2023

Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels has appointed Vincent Montanelli to the company’s top leadership position. Montanelli joined Wetzel’s nearly 20 years ago as the senior vice president of operations and most recently held the post of COO. He will maintain the COO title with the promotion, taking on the highest leadership responsibilities for the organization. Promoted following MTY Food Group’s recent acquisition of Wetzel’s, Montanelli aims to build on the brand’s momentum, driving store growth through its multitude of flexible store formats. At the doorstep of the much anticipated 400th …

May 18, 2023

News people restaurants

Shipley Do-Nuts Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee May 17, 2023

Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts, a fast-growing franchisor of a leading do-nut, kolache and coffee concept, has named Flynn Dekker as its new CEO. Dekker succeeds Clifton Rutledge, who will return to the company’s board of directors. Dekker most recently served as CEO of Bonchon, a global franchisor of Korean chicken restaurants with more than 420 locations spanning nine countries. Before joining Bonchon, Dekker served as chief marketing officer of Wingstop Restaurants. Dekker has 30-plus years of executive leadership experience in the restaurant and retail industry. “Flynn is an exceptionally strong …

May 17, 2023

construction and design News people vendors

US LBM Names New EVP and Chief Information Officer

by Katie Lee May 15, 2023

Atlanta — US LBM, a leading distributor of specialty building materials in the United States, has hired Andrew Campbell to join its executive leadership team as executive vice president and chief information officer. Campbell brings 30 years of experience to US LBM, and as CIO is responsible for all aspects of US LBM’s technology platform and systems, including internal and external facing applications, cyber security, and data management and analysis. Campbell succeeds Joe Spagnoletti as US LBM’s CIO, who retired from the company earlier this year. Campbell will report directly …

May 15, 2023

News people retailers

JOANN President and CEO to Retire

by Katie Lee May 11, 2023

Hudson, Ohio — JOANN Inc., the nation’s category leader in sewing and fabrics with one of the largest arts and crafts offerings, has announced the retirement of Wade Miquelon as president and chief executive officer effective, May 8, 2023. Chris DiTullio, executive vice president and chief customer officer, and Scott Sekella, executive vice president and chief financial officer, have been appointed to lead the interim office of the chief executive officer, and the board has commenced a search to identify a permanent replacement. “On behalf of the board, I’d like …

May 11, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

Your Pie Names New VP of Operations and Director of Technology

by Katie Lee May 9, 2023

Atlanta, Ga. — To invest in the future of Your Pie and offer greater support to its franchise owners, the nation’s original fast-casual pizza brand has appointed several new hires to its corporate team. Most notably, Your Pie has added Justin Patterson as vice president of operations. A Your Pie franchise owner for more than 7 years, Patterson brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to the brand’s leadership team. Patterson will be responsible for leading both franchise and company restaurants to grow sales, customer counts, margins and continue …

May 9, 2023

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