San Francisco — Levi Strauss & Co. has made leadership changes in its executive team with the appointment of Michelle Gass to the new position of president, LS&Co., reporting to Chip Bergh, president & CEO. Gass will be responsible for leading the Levi’s® brand and the company’s global digital and commercial operations. Gass will begin her role with the company on January 2 and is expected to join the LS&Co. board of directors on her start date. “We are delighted that an executive with Michelle’s background, experience and stature is …
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Portland, Ore. — Killer Burger, a growing better burger concept, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Matt Distler as head of operations, effective immediately. In this role, Distler will spearhead the company’s strategic operations and oversee the operations team as they continue to focus on delivering the best possible experience to Killer Burger’s guests. Distler joins Killer Burger with more than 20 years of experience in growing best-in-class teams and a strong understanding of how to enhance successful brands through developing and empowering engaged teams and individuals. …
Downers Grove, Ill. — Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, Inc., a global leader in innovative program management for clients with multiple sites, announces four leadership promotions. Sevan has four tenured team members who have been promoted into senior vice president and vice president positions. The company’s commitment to career development directly drives internal promotions at every level in the organization bi-annually. “It is critical for our team members to have access to robust career development plans, learning paths, mentorship and an avenue that recognizes their hard work,” says Jim Evans, founder and …
Riverside, Calif. — Farmer Boys®, a Southern California-based fast-casual restaurant chain, has promoted Joseph Ortiz to president and chief operating officer. Most recently, he served as vice president of finance & accounting for the company and replaces Dave Wetzel, former president and COO, who is retiring after 37 years in the restaurant industry. Ortiz has served as vice president of finance & accounting of Farmer Boys since July 2020. In this role, he was responsible for leading the finance and accounting teams, overseeing the information technology team, creating new strategies …
Nashville, Tenn. — Restaurant Growth Services, LLC has hired Kara Jacobs as its new chief financial officer. She will also serve as CFO for the O’Charley’s and Ninety Nine restaurant brands. As CFO, Jacobs will be responsible for all financial and technology-related support services for the restaurant brands that are majority owned by Cannae Holdings, Inc. She joins the company from Cracker Barrel. “Kara’s professional experience and capabilities align completely with our commitment to the highest standards for financial reporting, internal controls and effective support of our restaurant operations,” says …
Knoxville, Tenn. — Stand Out For Good, Inc., parent company of popular women’s fashion brand Altar’d State and recently announced new contemporary home brand, welcomes Sean Connelly as chief operating officer and Mark Dvorak as chief design officer for the new home concept. Connelly and Dvorak have more than 50 years of combined experience in the fashion retail and home furnishings industries, specifically handling product development and curation, inventory management and team growth for a variety of well-known brands. Connelly most recently served as chief operating officer at luxury furniture …
Denver — Nextbite, a leader in virtual restaurants, has added Kat Cole, a 25-year restaurant industry executive and former president and chief operating officer (COO) of Focus Brands, as advisor. Cole will guide Nextbite with her experience in building high-growth strategies, support the advancement of healthy brands in the portfolio and streamline operations. Cole is currently president and COO of Athletic Greens, one of the fastest growing wellness brands and subscription businesses, where she focuses on driving organizational scale, accelerating business growth and global expansion, innovation and more. Prior to …
Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has named Sue Gove as its new president and chief executive officer. Since June 2022, Gove has served as interim CEO. The appointment was unanimously approved by Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.’s board of directors. She will continue to serve on the board. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sue as chief executive officer. Sue is the best person to serve at the helm of Bed Bath & Beyond and continue leading the company,” says Harriet Edelman, independent chair of …
Knoxville, Tenn. — Stand Out For Good, Inc., parent company of popular women’s fashion brand Altar’d State, has launched a new activewear brand and welcomes Jonathan Mugler as its brand president. The company’s newest brand is devoted to women on the journey of physical, mental and spiritual growth. AS Revival is created for movement of all kinds like a walk on the beach, a trip to the local market, a morning yoga class or a casual day of running errands. AS Revival will soon open its first brick-and-mortar locations in Colorado, Tennessee, South …
Dallas — Ziosk®, an industry-leading technology platform that helps restaurants increase operational efficiency and optimize the guest experience, is ushering in a new era of innovation with the appointment of three new executive leadership team members: Eric Neilson, chief technology officer; Steve Beckham, chief marketing and brand officer; and Sandro Natale, chief innovation officer. “As we continue our journey toward elevating the dining experience, our goal at Ziosk is to better understand our clients’ guests and ensure that we’re providing the tools necessary to help meet their needs on their …