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Panera Brands Establishes Next Generation of Leadership

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee, has established its next generation of CEO leadership and board governance in preparation for its eventual IPO. Current CEO Niren Chaudhary will become chairman of Panera Brands, handing the CEO reins to José Alberto Dueñas, currently president and CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, effective July 1, 2023. Former Starbucks CFO and independent director Patrick Grismer will become chairman of the audit committee. Over the last 4 …

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Retail Tech Platform Lily AI Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Mountain View, Calif. — Lily AI, a retail technology platform specializing in AI solutions for retailers and brands, has hired Avnish Patel to its executive team as chief operating officer, effective immediately. In this new role, Patel will be responsible for overall organizational excellence, scaling cross-functional capabilities, and cultivating partnerships and alliances to accelerate growth. He will advance the company’s mission to transform the retail industry through AI solutions that help retailers and brands improve customer experiences throughout their digital commerce touchpoints. Before joining Lily AI, Patel served as senior …

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Bonchon U.S. Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in fast-casual Asian fusion dining known for its Korean double-fried chicken, has appointed former global CFO Bryan Shin to lead Bonchon U.S. as CEO. Shin joined Bonchon as head of global finance in 2019 with more than 10 years in the global food and beverage space. He previously served in various top global leadership and senior positions with brands including Goose Island Beer Company, Yum! Brands and CJ Foodville (a subsidiary of Korean conglomerate CJ Group), where he implemented strategies for a global launch …

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Vicky Bakery Appoints New CEO; Continues Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee

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, …

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TGI Fridays CEO to Step Down

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Albertsons Companies Names EVP and General Counsel

by Katie Lee

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 …

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FAT Brands Strengthens Leadership Team, Including 2 New Brand Presidents

by Katie Lee

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 …

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AutoNation Hires Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Wetzel’s Pretzels Names New Brand Leader

by Katie Lee

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 …

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Shipley Do-Nuts Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

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 …

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