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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Applebee’s President to Step Down; CEO of Dine Brands to Step In

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar®, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® and IHOP®, has announced that Tony Moralejo (pictured here) will step down as Applebee’s president, effective March 4, 2025, and will serve as an advisor to the company through June 4, 2025. John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands, will assume the role of interim president of Applebee’s while continuing in his current capacity. “Tony and I share a deep respect for the DNA of Applebee’s and we are all grateful for his …

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Newspeopleretailers

Famous Footwear Names New Chief Merchandising Officer  

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Caleres, a market-leading portfolio of consumer-driven footwear brands, has hired Brian Costello to join Famous Footwear as chief merchandising officer. In this role, he will oversee all buying and merchandising for the brand’s U.S. and Canada stores and e-commerce sites. “Brian has a long track record of exceptional fashion and footwear industry leadership,” says Mike Edwards, president of Famous Footwear. “With expertise in merchandising and planning for both footwear and ready-to-wear, I’m confident he will help drive growth and achieve our ambitions at Famous Footwear.” Costello has …

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lightingNewspeopleretailersvendors

WAC Group Appoints VP of Business Development

by Katie Lee

Port Washington, N.Y. — WAC Group, which creates superior lighting solutions to appeal to all patrons of independent retail shops, chains and shopping centers, has named Keith Eagle as its new vice president of business development. “Keith is an outstanding addition to our dynamic sales team and will lead the development of our sales strategy, further strengthening our position in the industry,” says Becky Li, president of WAC Group. “With his extensive experience in sales leadership and a proven track record of success, we are confident he will be a …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Exton, Pa. — Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, an innovative craft brewery, has appointed Mark Kirke as its new chief executive officer. With nearly 30 years of experience in restaurant leadership, Kirke brings a wealth of knowledge to propel Iron Hill into the next chapter. As CEO, Kirke will leverage his extensive experience across full-service multi-unit operations and brand building to drive Iron Hill’s continued growth and operational excellence. With a proven track record of prioritizing guest experiences, Kirke’s leadership will refine Iron Hill’s hospitality-centered approach. Kirke will also guide …

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flooring/floor careNewspeopleretailers

Floor & Decor Appoints New President

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, has appointed Bradley Paulsen as president, effective April 28, 2025, reporting to CEO Tom Taylor. Paulsen currently serves as CEO, North America, for Rentokil Initial plc, a global leader in pest control and hygiene and wellbeing services, and previously held leadership positions at Rexel USA, HD Supply and The Home Depot. “We are thrilled to welcome Brad to the team to help lead the next stage of Floor & Decor’s growth,” says Taylor. “He is …

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Newspeopleretailers

REI President & CEO to Retire; Successor is Named

by Katie Lee

Seattle — REI Co-op’s president and CEO, Eric Artz, will retire in March as part of a planned succession, marking a new chapter in the co-op’s 87-year history. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI board director and seasoned retail leader, will join REI as president on Feb. 3, 2025, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31. Laughton has held leadership roles at Nike, Athleta and Sephora. Her experience and personal passion balance strategic vision for the future of retail, innovation and operational rigor, love for the outdoors and appreciation …

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The Fresh Market Promotes COO to President and CEO

by Katie Lee

Greensboro, N.C. — The board of directors of The Fresh Market, Inc. has appointed Brian Johnson as president and chief executive officer (CEO) effective Feb. 3, 2025, replacing Jason Potter, who has decided to pursue a new opportunity. Johnson has served as chief operating officer (COO) at The Fresh Market since 2020 and brings more than 30 years of experience to the role. In the last 5 years, Johnson has helped oversee the expansion of TFM stores into new markets across the East Coast and Midwestern United States. Previously, Johnson …

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HVAC/RNewspeoplevendors

Danfoss Climate Solutions Appoints President

by Katie Lee

Nordborg, Denmark — Danfoss has named Kristian Strand as president of Danfoss Climate Solutions. He succeeds Jürgen Fischer who, after 16 years with Danfoss, has decided to retire. Strand, who is currently serving as divisional president, commercial compressors in Danfoss Climate Solutions, will join the Danfoss Group executive team and take over as president of Danfoss Climate Solutions on April 1, 2025. Prior to his current role, Strand served as divisional president, refrigeration & air conditioning controls, in Danfoss Climate Solutions. He has played a crucial role in the Climate …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Panera Bread Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Bread has hired Brian Krause to be the company’s new chief development officer. He will be responsible for driving strategic new store growth for Panera Bread, leading development planning, franchise development and sales, design & construction and real estate. Krause joined the company on Jan. 13 and reports to the interim CEO, Paul Carbone. An industry veteran in franchise development and sales, Krause joins the company from GoTo Foods where he oversaw growth-driving efforts for all seven brands including Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s …

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Newspeopleretailers

Weis Markets Names New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Sunbury, Pa. — Weis Markets, Inc. has promoted Bob Gleeson to chief operating officer (COO) of the company. As COO, Gleeson will oversee the company’s merchandising, marketing, advertising, store operations, information technology, asset protection and pharmacy departments. He will also have oversight of the supply chain departments including distribution, transportation and manufacturing. He will continue to report to Jonathan H. Weis, chairman, president and CEO of Weis Markets, Inc. Gleeson joined the company in 2018 and was promoted to vice president of fresh merchandising in July 2019. He was promoted …

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