Broomfield, Colo. — Famous Brands International, a portfolio company of Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. and the parent company of Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY Yogurt, has appointed Dustin Lyman as chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Lyman joined Famous Brands in 2013 as director of finance and as part of the management team appointed by Z Capital Partners, the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group. Most recently, Lyman served as chief financial officer, where he focused on driving growth and profitability with a range of initiatives, including:
• Investing in store-level improvements at existing locations;
• Adding locations in key markets, across both franchised and owned-and-operated stores;
• Streamlining supply chain contracts and improving operational efficiencies;
• Implementing innovative technologies, including the TCBY vending machines;
• Revamping the company’s e-commerce sites; and
• Expanding the direct-to-consumer business and the licensing and corporate gifting programs.
Prior to joining Famous Brands, Lyman held key financial positions at large organizations, including Vail Resorts and Dish Network. He also played for the National Football League’s Chicago Bears from 2000 through 2005.
“Dustin has been an integral part of creating and executing Famous Brands’ strategic vision over the last several years, and I am pleased he will be taking on additional responsibilities in his new role as CEO,” says James Zenni, president and chief executive officer of Z Capital. “Importantly, Dustin’s strong leadership abilities and management philosophy have resonated with franchisees, licensees and business partners who share his belief that great success is achieved through teamwork. He brings extensive industry experience and a proven track record of driving growth and profitability, and I look forward to working with Dustin and the rest of the talented leadership team as the company enters its next phase of growth.”
Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, Famous Brands International has more than 750 owned and franchised locations in 33 countries.
Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. is the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group, L.L.C., a leading global alternative investment manager For more information, visit www.zcap.net.
Mrs. Fields is based in Broomfield, Colo., with a production and distribution facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. Debbi Fields opened her first store in Palo Alto, Calif., in 1977 and the Mrs. Fields name quickly became associated with warm, freshly baked cookies right out of the oven. Today, Mrs. Fields sells products at over 300 retail locations globally and online. For more information, visit https://www.mrsfields.com.
Also based in Broomfield, Colo., TCBY has been a frozen yogurt innovator from the day its first shop opened in Little Rock, Ark., in 1981. Today, TCBY sells products at over 400 retail locations globally and online. For more information, visit http://www.tcby.com.
SOURCE: Famous Brands International