Miami — Subway has announced that John Chidsey, global chief executive officer (CEO), will retire from the company at the end of 2024, after 5 years of leadership in the role. Carrie Walsh, Subway’s current president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and former global chief marketing officer (CMO), will assume the role of Iinterim CEO, while a search is conducted to identify Chidsey’s permanent successor.
Chidsey joined Subway in 2019 as the brand’s first CEO outside of the founding family and led a multi-year transformation of the business. The brand now has more than 10,000 future restaurant commitments and is on track to more than double the number of new restaurant openings in 2024, compared to 2019.
“Under John’s leadership, Subway has been transformed. His vision and passion have set a high standard that will continue to guide the brand for years to come,” says Clay Harmon, member of the Subway board of directors. “Carrie is uniquely qualified to lead Subway through this transition, bringing a blend of expertise in global operations, brand innovation and digital transformation, which will bring continuity and support Subway’s next chapter.”
In her role, Walsh will continue to execute Subway’s strategic growth plans, leveraging more than two decades of experience building brands across the restaurant, retail and consumer industries, including at YUM! Brands, Pizza Hut and PepsiCo.
Walsh joined Subway in 2019 and played a pivotal role in elevating the brand’s U.S. and global perception and driving the company’s strategic direction. Most recently, she served as president of EMEA, Subway’s second-largest region, where she oversaw operations, finance, marketing and development activity across 50 countries and territories.
One of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant brands, Subway has nearly 37,000 restaurants owned and operated by franchisees.
SOURCE: Subway Restaurants