people

Richmond, Va. — LL Flooring Holdings, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of hard-surface flooring in the U.S., has made three new leadership team appointments, effective July 10, 2023. Robert L. Madore has been appointed as executive vice president, chief financial officer, replacing interim CFO Terry Blanchard; Andrew W. Wadhams has been named senior vice president, retail and commercial sales; and Laura Massaro has been named senior vice president, chief marketing officer. “The board of directors and I are pleased to welcome an executive of Bob’s caliber as LL Flooring’s next …

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Raleigh, N.C. — Golden Corral is proud to welcome Dawn Gillis as its new chief information officer. With more than 20 years of experience in the restaurant, hospitality and consumer goods industries, Gillis has proven to be a forward thinker while consistently delivering results. As CIO, she is tasked with leading Golden Coral’s digital growth strategy while modernizing its technology stack. “We are excited to welcome Dawn to the Golden Corral family and believe her depth of technological knowledge and outstanding leadership experience makes her the right person to help …

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Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has promoted Sean Tresvant to Taco Bell division chief executive officer, reporting to Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs, effective January 1, 2024. Tresvant, who currently serves as global chief brand and strategy officer of Taco Bell, will succeed Mark King, who plans to retire at the end of 2023. As CEO, Tresvant will assume global responsibility for driving Taco Bell’s growth strategies, franchise operations and overall performance. “Sean is a visionary business leader and best-in-class brand builder who is driving transformative R.E.D. (relevant, easy, …

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Lincolnshire, Ill. — Camping World Holdings, Inc., the world’s largest recreation dealer, has appointed several key hires to its field operations leadership team. “As we continue to capitalize on today’s dealership acquisition landscape, it’s equally important that we strengthen our field leadership bench by aggressively attracting the industry’s best talent,” says Marcus Lemonis, chairman and CEO of Camping World. “These recent strategic additions to our team bring regional expertise and national leadership skills, which we expect to help optimize and grow our presence across the country, organically and through future …

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Houston — SPB Hospitality, an industry-leading operator and franchisor of restaurants spanning a national footprint, has appointed Josh Kern as chief executive officer. He was named interim CEO in August of 2022. SPB Hospitality encompasses a wide array of brands in the casual, fast-casual, quick-service and fine dining categories, as well as bars and breweries. Kern steered the company’s merger with Krystal, the original quick-service slider concept in the South. Furthermore, he has blended the companies while streamlining costs and launched the first major refranchising effort for the Krystal brand. …

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Seattle — REI Co-op has promoted two leaders within the finance and supply chain teams. Michelle Kirkpatrick has been promoted to vice president, controller, while Ruchi Christensen is now vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations. “Michelle and Ruchi are both widely trusted leaders who have been instrumental in keeping co-op growth initiatives and operations running smoothly and efficiently,” says Kelley Hall, executive vice president, chief financial officer. “Their business savvy and values-led approach will continue to have positive impact not only on their respective teams but how the co-op …

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Los Angeles — Blaze Pizza has named industry veterans Kevin Moran and Johnny Tellez to its executive leadership team. As the newly appointed chief development officer (CDO) and chief operations officer (COO), respectively, they arrive during a pivotal phase of advancement for the dynamic brand, keen to enrich the customer journey, pioneer operational initiatives and expand its domestic and global footprint. “We are pleased to announce the addition of Kevin and Johnny to our executive team at Blaze Pizza. Their outstanding qualifications and proven track record of success assure us …

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Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. has promoted Matt McCabe to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, effective June 25, 2023, succeeding Steve Lawrence, who recently transitioned to chief executive officer. McCabe will report directly to Lawrence. McCabe has served as Academy’s senior vice president, general merchandise manager, footwear since September 2017. He joined the company in December 2016 as vice president, divisional merchandise manager, athletic and licensed apparel. Prior to joining Academy, he served as vice president at Golfsmith International. He has also held various merchant …

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Detroit — Michigan-based Savvy Sliders has named QSR veteran Bryon Stephens as chief development officer. Stephens brings 35 years of industry knowledge to the Savvy Sliders brand.  With 35 stores open today, and another 30 in development, Stephens will guide the 3-year-old brand to a growth trajectory of more than 500 stores over the next 48 months. “With Bryon’s leadership and knowledge, this unique partnership will lead us to explosive growth throughout the world,” says Happy Asker, founder and CEO of Savvy Sliders. While at A&W Restaurants, Stephens spearheaded the …

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Austin, Texas — Popular family-friendly Texas restaurant Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ has named Martin Hornsby as its new chief financial officer. “Bringing Martin to Smokey Mo’s will support more financial opportunities for franchising and corporate strategy,” says Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s TX BBQ. “Smokey Mo’s is in the beginning stages of a substantial growth plan and we are very excited to add Martin’s financial and franchising expertise to our team.” Having worked as chief financial officer for companies such as Alamo Drafthouse and Sport Clips Haircuts, Hornsby’s experience, …

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