as the CEO of Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, a scratch kitchen and brewery concept, and previously served as COO at California Pizza Kitchen and vice president at Texas Roadhouse. An achieved industry professional, Boerema earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars Pizza announced Paula Vissing as the chain’s new COO. Vissing has been with Little Caesars since 2011 and most recently served as the senior vice president of international. In the newly created role, Vissing will oversee all domestic and international operations during a period of incredible growth for the world’s third-largest pizza brand. “Paula has an impressive track record within the company and has successfully led our international division for the last five years, which continues to see record-breaking results year after year,” says President and CEO David Scrivano. “I am thrilled to congratulate her on her new role as chief operating officer. Paula is a highly respected and proven leader within Little Caesars and there is nobody better suited to oversee global operations.” As the senior vice president of international, Vissing was
responsible for all Little Caesars locations in more than two dozen countries and territories. Under her leadership, Little Caesars experienced the largest period of international growth in the company’s 60-plus year history. Previously, Vissing was vice president of purchasing and quality assurance, where she led cost-saving and sourcing initiatives that supported Little Caesars’ growth in the United States. Vissing has also led global supply chain expansion, enabling international development efforts across the globe. “It is an exciting time for the company as we continue to experience exponential growth both in the U.S. and internationally, and I am honored to have the opportunity to oversee the global operations of Little Caesars,” Vissing says. “I look forward to continuing to work along with the Little Caesars leadership team and organization as a whole, as we continue to bring great-tasting, affordable pizza to families around the world.”
Topgolf
Global sports and entertainment company Topgolf Entertainment Group announced the hiring of Artie Starrs as CEO effective April 5. Artie comes to Topgolf from Yum! Brands where he most
recently served as global CEO for Pizza Hut, overseeing its 18,000 locations across 110 countries. Before this role, he was president of Pizza Hut U.S. and before joining Yum! Brands, he served as CFO for Rave Cinemas. “We are thrilled to have Artie join Topgolf as he leads the
company, together with the team, on its continued journey of accelerated growth,” said Callaway President and CEO Chip Brewer. “I am confident Artie’s leadership, track record of driving a global brand with a focus on operations and franchising, and digital transformation experience will add great value to the innovative team at Topgolf.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to be joining Topgolf as CEO. This opportunity marries my passion for the hospitality business with my lifelong love for the sport of golf,” Starrs says. “I could not think of a better time to join this brand, with so much momentum as we head into the future. I’m looking forward to joining the more than 18,000 Topgolf team members to build on their incredible business success and powerful culture.”
In October 2020, Callaway announced its intention to combine with Topgolf, which was finalized earlier this month. Starrs succeeded previous CEO Dolf Berle, who previously announced his plans to pursue leadership opportunities outside of Topgolf after successfully leading the team through the completion of the combination with Callaway.
WaBa Grill WaBa Grill, a nearly 200-unit chain specializing in healthy
rice bowls, announced the promotion of Andrew Kim to president and CEO. Kim brings with him more than 30 years of franchise law experience, having extensively represented both sides of the franchisor-franchisee relationship domestic and abroad, and is also one of a small number of attorneys recognized as certified legal specialists in franchise and distribution law by the California Board of Legal Specialization.
“It has been a privilege to represent WaBa Grill
throughout the brand’s history and play a role in its evolution over the years, and I am honored that the company founders have entrusted me with these new responsibilities as President and CEO,” Kim says. “This trust reflects the ownership’s confidence in our entire team of outstanding and committed professionals to strategically grow the company in units and sales while building even stronger emotional connections with our guests and franchisees.” Kim has been closely involved with WaBa Grill since its founding in 2006 as its outside legal advisor, representing and counseling the brand on corporate legal and franchise matters. He then joined WaBa Grill corporate as its chief legal officer in 2018, overseeing business and legal affairs with an emphasis on restructuring and reorganizing the company. Now as president and CEO, he will leverage his long history with the brand, as well as his longstanding experience as a franchise attorney, to lead WaBa Grill in its next phase of growth. This will include strengthening franchisee support and guidance, nurturing relationships with the company’s dedicated team members, and building meaningful connections with guests in every community WaBa serves.
Kim continued, “After experiencing year after year of success in Southern California and parts of Arizona, there is tremendous growth potential for the brand in both existing markets and new territories across the U.S. in need of a healthy fast-casual concept like ours. The future is bright for WaBa Grill, and I’m proud to be continuing the journey as president and CEO during such an exciting time of growth for the brand.”
Special Issue 2021 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
