Seattle — Starbucks has selected Laxman Narasimhan as its next chief executive officer and a member of the Starbucks board of directors. Narasimhan will join Starbucks as incoming CEO on October 1, 2022 after relocating from London to the Seattle area and will work closely with Howard Schultz, interim CEO, before assuming the CEO role and joining the board on April 1, 2023. Narasimhan brings nearly 30 years of experience leading and advising global consumer-facing brands. Known for his considerable operational expertise, he has a proven track record in developing …
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Salt Lake City — Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Restaurant has promoted its president, Robert Ertmann, to chief executive officer. He has served as president of the brand since 2021. Mo’ Bettahs will look to his guidance and leadership as the brand continues its nationwide expansion, including its entrance into three new markets over the next few months. “Savory has watched Rob carefully over the past year, and we have concluded that there is no one better suited for the growth and scale of our beloved Mo’ Bettahs brand,” says Andrew …
Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. aims to go back to basics: to better serve customers, drive growth and deliver business returns. To that end, Bed Bath & Beyond has realigned its executive team and also has begun closing approximately 150 lower-producing Bed Bath & Beyond banner stores. “We are announcing immediate actions aimed to increase customer engagement, drive traffic and recapture market share,” says Sue Gove, director & interim CEO. “This includes changing our merchandising and inventory strategy, which will be rooted in national brands. Additionally, we …
Stone Mountain, Ga. — Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, LLC, a manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment and systems as part of Lennox International, has promoted Bob Landi to vice president and general manager. In this role, Landi will apply his proven operations and supply chain acumen to continue to grow the business and deliver customer-centric solutions. “There is no one more capable to serve in this position than Bob Landi,” says Gary Bedard, president and chief operating officer, Worldwide Refrigeration at Lennox International. “During his 20-year career with Heatcraft and Lennox, Bob’s …
Chesapeake, Va. — Dollar Tree, Inc. has added a key member of its executive leadership team, as Jeffrey A. Davis will be joining the organization as chief financial officer. “I am extremely pleased to announce that Jeff Davis will be joining the Dollar Tree team as our new chief financial officer. For many years, Jeff has been recognized as a strong and collaborative retail business partner, driving superior financial and operational results,” says Mike Witynski, president and chief executive officer. “Jeff has a proven track record of strategic leadership, and …
Boston Heights, Ohio — Arhaus, Inc., a rapidly growing lifestyle brand and omnichannel retailer of premium artisan-crafted home furnishings, has hired Tim Kuckelman to join the company in the new role of chief operating officer at the end of September. He will report directly to John Reed, Arhaus co-founder and chief executive officer. Kuckelman, who has more than three decades of leadership experience in retail operations and logistics, will be responsible for enhancing Arhaus’ operational capabilities across the business, overseeing sourcing, planning, logistics, customer experience, manufacturing and information technology. “We …
Irving, Texas — Mongolian Concepts, the management group behind three fresh bowl brands — Genghis Grill, Flat Top Grill and BD’s Mongolian Grill — has hired Jason Levinson as vice president of technology. He will leverage the latest in technology to enhance the brand’s digital strategy and drive growth across all three brands. “Jason brings a multi-faceted approach to technology and digital innovation and his experience and expertise will help expand our brand’s potential,” says Gregg Majewski, CEO of Mongolian Concepts. “His knowledge in the restaurant industry gives him the …
Lincolnshire, Ill. — Camping World Holdings, Inc. has promoted Brenda Wintrow to the role of senior vice president of field operations. She joined Camping World in 2007 as a business development manager and served in a variety of leadership roles during her tenure such as regional director of business development and national director of e-commerce. Wintrow’s experience has led to executive roles such as vice president of sales and business development and most recently, senior vice president of sales and customer experience. She is also a member of the board …
New York City — As part of a planned succession process, Richard A. Johnson will retire as president and chief executive officer of Foot Locker, effective September 1, 2022. Mary N. Dillon, former executive chair and CEO of Ulta Beauty, Inc., has been appointed president and chief executive officer and a member of the Foot Locker board, also effective September 1, 2022. Johnson will continue as executive chairman of the board through January 31, 2023, and will step down from the board at that time, subsequently remaining with the company …
Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has promoted Pat Hafner to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill. He will be responsible for leading the operations and development for approximately 220 Carrabba’s restaurants across the United States. Hafner started his career with the company in 1996 and spent 21 years with Outback Steakhouse before moving to Carrabba’s Italian Grill to serve as vice president of operations. “Pat’s commitment to growth and development not only propelled his own career, but the success of the Carrabba’s brand and its expansion of off-premises, including catering,” …