people

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. and its board of directors has named Lance Tucker as the permanent chief executive officer for Jack in the Box, where he will also serve on the company’s board of directors. Tucker had served as interim CEO since February 2025 after being hired as chief financial officer for the company in November 2024, which followed a previous tenure as CFO of Jack in the Box from March 2018 to September 2020. “Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well …

Louisville, Ky. — The chief executive officer of Yum! Brands, Inc., David Gibbs, has informed the board of directors of his intention to retire from the company in the next year. He has been with Yum! for 36 years and its CEO since January 2020. The board has established a succession planning committee and will work deliberately to identify and appoint the best candidate to lead the company’s next chapter. Gibbs will continue leading the company throughout the search process until his retirement, expected in the first quarter of 2026. …

Dallas — Joe Hummel, chief executive officer, and Clay Mingus, chief legal officer, both intend to resign from Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant. The date of their departures will be effective April 10, 2025. Ken Kuick, chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO, and Allen Sussman, general counsel of FAT Brands Inc., has been appointed interim chief legal officer. “We would like to thank Joe and Clay for all that they have done for Twin Peaks over the last 14 years,” says Kuick. …

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Brands and Caribou Coffee, has appointed Paul Carbone as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Carbone previously served as chief financial officer for the company and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in January 2025. “Paul’s commitment and significant contributions to Panera over the past 2 years — coupled with his impressive track record of success with both public and private companies in the industry — demonstrate that he has …

Charlotte, N.C. — Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a polished-casual American restaurant and steakhouse, has promoted Steve Sturm to chief operating officer (COO) and Andy Seiple to corporate executive chef. Both leaders have and will continue to play key roles in driving the company’s growth by enhancing operational efficiency and elevating menu offerings to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Sturm has been with Firebirds since its inception in 2000 and was the first executive chef at Firebirds’ first restaurant in Charlotte, where he played an instrumental role in the development and …