San Diego — The board of directors of Jack in the Box Inc. has appointed Mark King as executive chairman and interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. King, a member of the board since November 2025 and its chair since March 2026, succeeds Lance Tucker. Alan Smolinisky, a member of the board since November 2025, has been appointed lead independent director.
King previously served as CEO of Taco Bell Corp., where he led franchise operations and enhanced consumer engagement during a period of significant growth. He also served as CEO of Xponential Fitness, emphasizing franchisee health and a customer-centric culture.
“Mark is a proven leader with significant restaurant and retail industry expertise that will benefit Jack in the Box as we continue to advance our strategic initiatives with discipline,” says Smolinisky. “Our board believes Mark is well positioned to increase the pace of our progress and capture the growth opportunities ahead for the brand while we conduct the search for Jack in the Box’s next CEO.”
Jack in the Box Inc., founded and headquartered in San Diego, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation’s largest hamburger chains with 2,128 restaurants across 24 states. For more information, visit www.jackinthebox.com.
SOURCE: Jack in the Box Inc.