Maryville, Tenn. — The board of directors of Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has, effective immediately, appointed F. Lane Cardwell, Jr. as interim president and chief executive officer following the resignation of James J. “JJ” Buettgen.
The company’s board of directors has retained Heidrick & Struggles to begin a search for a permanent president and CEO.
The company also appointed Sue Briley as chief financial officer. Briley has been serving as interim CFO since June 2016 and prior to that, had been vice president of finance since joining Ruby Tuesday in July 2014.
Cardwell has been a director of the company since October 2012 and member of the executive compensation and audit committees. Since June 2012, Cardwell has served as the president of Cardwell Hospitality Advisory. Before that, he held several positions including president of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, as well as board member, and president and CEO of Boston Market. Previously, he served on the board of Famous Dave’s of America prior to becoming interim president and CEO and also served as president and CEO of Eatzi’s Market and Bakery. Prior to joining Eatzi’s, Cardwell was executive vice president and chief administrative officer and board member of Brinker International.
Ruby Tuesday, Inc. owns and franchises Ruby Tuesday brand restaurants. As of August 30, 2016, there were 615 Ruby Tuesday restaurants in 42 states, 14 foreign countries and Guam. For more information, visit www.rubytuesday.com.
SOURCE: Ruby Tuesday, Inc.