Atlanta — The Home Depot® has named Dr. Franziska “Fran” Bell as executive vice president (EVP) and chief technology officer (CTO), effective April 6. As CTO, she will lead the strategy, development and alignment of technology, product management, data and artificial intelligence (AI) for The Home Depot. Most recently, Bell led AI transformation as chief data, AI and analytics officer for Ford Motor Company. Prior to Ford, she served as senior vice president of digital technology at BP and held executive roles at Uber and Toyota. As a globally recognized …
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Atlanta — Zaxbys® has appointed Michael Dixon as its new chief financial officer, effective March 30. Dixon will report to Bernard Acoca, chief executive officer at Zaxbys. “Mike’s demonstrated success in accelerating and scaling financial performance across QSR organizations, maximizing unit economics and managing complex financial environments makes him a perfect fit for Zaxbys next chapter,” says Acoca. “As Zaxbys continues the brand’s national growth and expansion I am confident in our ability to grow to win with Mike’s leadership.” Dixon brings over 30 years of accomplished financial leadership experience …
San Diego, Calif. — Mike’s Red Tacos, a San Diego-born beef Birria brand, has brought on Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer. The appointment comes on the heels of the company’s recent franchising strategy announcement and continued development momentum, with more than 200 franchise locations already in the pipeline. Cunningham previously served as chief development officer at Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, and before that, vice president of U.S. development for Little Caesars. Cunningham also spent more than 20 years at Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands. He joins newly named company …
Raleigh, N.C. — Golden Corral®, America’s leading buffet chain, has appointed Trona Balkissoon as chief financial officer, effective March 26, 2026. Balkissoon steps into the role following the retirement of CFO Jim Laverty. Balkissoon brings more than 25 years of global experience with Nestlé, spanning both retail and foodservice channels. She joined Golden Corral in April 2025 as senior vice president of finance, after most recently serving as chief financial officer for Nestlé’s out-of-home division, where she oversaw operations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Since joining the brand, …
Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General Corporation’s board of directors has appointed Jerry W. “JJ” Fleeman Jr., to succeed Todd Vasos as chief executive officer of Dollar General effective Jan. 1, 2027. The board intends to appoint Fleeman to serve as a director upon the effective date of the transition. To assist in the transition, Vasos will continue to serve as CEO until the effective date of the transition, at which time he will serve as senior advisor through April 2, 2027. Following the transition, Vasos is expected to remain a …
Austin, Texas — Fourth, a leading provider of workforce and inventory management solutions for the hospitality industry, has named Scott Collison as chief executive officer. A proven builder of enterprise software platforms with more than two decades of experience scaling technology companies, Collison will lead Fourth into its next phase of AI-led product innovation for restaurant operators. Most recently, he served as CEO of Personify, where he led the company through a period of strong recurring revenue growth and operational improvement, culminating in its successful sale to Momentive in late …
Chicago — Portillo’s, the fast-casual restaurant brand known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, has named Jennifer Pecoraro-Striepling as chief development officer. She joins Portillo’s from Miller’s Ale House. In this role, Pecoraro-Striepling will lead Portillo’s restaurant development strategy, including real estate and site selection, prototype design and construction. She will play a key role in advancing Portillo’s long term expansion as the company continues to grow its footprint while preserving the brand’s unique guest experience and operational excellence. “Jennifer brings the experience, strategic vision and people-first leadership we need …
Youngstown, Ohio — Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has appointed Naveen Dasa as chief financial officer, adding a dynamic and accomplished finance executive to its leadership team. Dasa brings more than a decade of experience spanning franchising, restaurant operations and consumer brands — including roles at Shake Shack, BakeMark and Yum! Brands. He previously spent 10 years with Yum! Brands advancing through finance and strategy roles across Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Yum! Corporate — most notably, Dasa played a key role in designing and implementing Pizza Hut’s systemwide asset upgrade …
Ontario, Calif. — Heritage Grocers Group has appointed David Hinojosa as its new chief executive officer, following a comprehensive search led by the board of directors. Under Hinojosa’s leadership, Heritage plans to accelerate strategic growth across its banners while continuing to invest in fresh foods, operational excellence and community-driven retail experiences. “Over the past several months, the board set out to identify a leader who brings exceptional industry experience and genuinely reflects the values that define Heritage Grocers Group,” says David Hirz, chairman of the board of Heritage Grocers Group. …
Atlanta — Krystal has promoted Amanda Hyde to chief operating officer. Hyde will report directly to SPB Hospitality’s chairman and CEO, G.J. Hart, and take on expanded responsibility for systemwide operations as the brand continues its growth strategy. Hyde brings more than two decades of restaurant industry experience spanning operations, brand leadership and multi-unit management. Since joining SPB Hospitality, she has played a central role in improving operational performance and supporting the company’s strategy to revitalize and expand the Krystal brand. “Amanda is a respected operator with deep knowledge of …