Salt Lake City — As part of its strategy for nationwide expansion, Beans & Brews Coffeehouse is fortifying its executive team to enhance growth and franchise support with the appointment of Chad Gretzema as its chief executive officer. With nearly three decades of multi-unit food and beverage leadership experience, Gretzema brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the Beans & Brews team. Prior to this appointment, he served as the brand president of Del Taco, where he led 600 franchise and company restaurants. During his tenure with Del Taco, he …
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New York City — Eataly, the international Italian restaurant and retail group, has appointed Tommaso Brusò as the new CEO of North America, effective Oct. 2, 2023. Tommaso Brusò joins from Colourful Standard (part of RTG Group), the sustainable essentials clothing brand, where he was Group CEO. He was previously global COO for Benetton Group, where he spent a significant period of time in the U.S. Prior to that, he was CEO of Diesel North America from 2013-2017, CEO of Furla Americas from 2008-2013, and CEO of Fedon for the …
Los Angeles — Chedraui USA, the fourth largest grocery retailer in California and parent company for El Super, Smart & Final and Fiesta Mart stores, has announced the retirement of Smart & Final’s president, Scott Drew, effective Sept. 29, 2023. Drew began his career in the industry more than four decades ago as a grocery clerk. He joined Smart & Final in 2010, leading the organization with a steadfast commitment to Smart & Final’s core values and a profound dedication to the personal and professional growth of the company’s associates. …
Evansville, Ind. — Shoe Carnival, Inc., a leading retailer of footwear and accessories for the family, has named Patrick Edwards as the company’s senior vice president, chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer. Edwards had served as chief accounting officer and secretary since 2021 and had served as vice president and controller since he joined the company in 2019. Prior to joining Shoe Carnival, Edwards served in increasing roles of responsibility in finance and accounting during his 18-year career with Vectren Corporation, a publicly traded utility holding company, including serving as …
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Automotive retailer AutoNation, Inc. has appointed Jeff Parent as its new chief operating officer (COO). With extensive experience in senior executive roles spanning sales, supply chain management and business strategy, Parent brings a wealth of expertise to lead the company’s operational and strategic initiatives. His start date is expected to be Oct. 16, 2023. As COO, Parent will play a pivotal role in AutoNation’s continuous efforts to drive growth, enhance operational efficiency and provide exceptional customer experiences across its extensive network of locations. “Jeff Parent is …
Dallas — French-founded and French-owned la Madeleine has appointed seasoned industry executive Mark Ramage as senior director of franchise development, effective immediately. The newly appointed executive wants to attract experienced restaurant operators and investors to the brand, with the ambitious goal to sign and develop 50-100 new locations in the next 5 years. Ramage has more than 20 years of experience in the franchise development industry, with success spearheading development strategy, sales and real estate across multiple franchise restaurant and quick service brands. He has held leadership titles at a …
Oakland, N.J. — Amerlux, an award-winning design-and-manufacture lighting company, has announced that its president and CEO, Chuck Campagna, has been appointed as the head of the Building Solutions Americas Business Unit (BSABU) at parent company Delta Electronics, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions. Campagna has achieved record growth at Amerlux since becoming the company’s top executive in 1999. He will maintain his current position at Amerlux while leading Delta’s BSABU. “With his vision, strong interpersonal skills and dedication, we are confident that BSABU will serve as a …
Lansing, Mich. — Erin Kaylor , a franchise veteran and finance leader, is joining BIGGBY® COFFEE as chief financial officer. As the brand approaches important growth milestones with over 360 units open and another 140 in development, Kaylor will serve a crucial role in supporting the entire system through its next stage of development. “I’m a CPA and an accountant by trade, but the vast majority of my career was spent in the finance organization of McDonald’s,” says Kaylor. “This new role fits very nicely because I have a lot …
San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has named Tom Rose as the new president of the Del Taco brand, effective immediately. He replaces Chad Gretzema, who has stepped down from the role to pursue a new opportunity. Rose is a 30-plus-year veteran in the restaurant business with a proven track record in various corporate and franchise leadership roles. Most recently, he consulted Jack in the Box on the recent initiative to improve the company-owned Kansas City market. Before supporting Jack in the Box, Rose spent a decade as …
Bolingbrook, Ill. — Ulta Beauty, Inc. has promoted its chief operating officer, Kecia L. Steelman, to president and chief operating officer. “Kecia is a talented executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence while fostering a caring and inclusive culture and creating exceptional guest experiences,” says Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer. “Over the last year, Kecia has increased her scope and influence within our organization, and this expanded role recognizes her value to the company and her many contributions to our success, while also demonstrating our ongoing confidence …