execution and digital prowess across the organization to drive brand awareness and positioning, resulting in the continued growth and stronger franchise relationships. Prior to joining Church’s Texas Chicken, Franco held
numerous executive roles such as executive vice president, chief brand and strategy officer for California Pizza Kitchen; president and founder of Brandmark Global; senior vice president, chief marketing officer of IHOP; and global chief marketing officer, executive vice president for Burger King. “Natalia is a veteran marketing executive with whom I
previously worked during a major brand acceleration. Her vision for brand positioning and her leadership in building great teams is very strong. Natalia’s expertise will be key as we continue to strengthen and grow this beloved brand,” CEO Joe Guith said.
Culver’s
After five years of successfully leading brand growth as vice president of marketing, Julie Fussner was promoted to chief marketing officer at Culver Franchising System. Fussner is the first person to hold the CMO title in the company’s 38-year history.
Fussner’s appointment comes as Culver’s continues to expand its footprint. Since arriving in 2017, she has played a pivotal role in strategizing and overseeing this impressive brand growth, including the opening of at least 50 new restaurants in each of the past three years. “I’m honored to have earned the trust and respect of my colleagues here at Culver’s and to be named our CMO,” Fussner said. “I look forward to continuing to build the brand our guests across the country love so dearly.”
McDonald’s Tabassum Zalotrawala is joining McDonald’s in late April as senior vice president and U.S. chief development officer. “Having spent the past five years investing our capital and
energy in modernizing our business, we’ve earned the right to build new restaurants and set aggressive goals, and Tabassum is the right leader to advance our ambitions,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said. Before McDonald’s, Tabassum led significant real estate development efforts for several restaurant brands worldwide. Most recently, she served as chief development officer at Chipotle Mexican Grill. During her time at the burrito brand, she led global execution of real estate, with one of her projects named one of The Most Innovative Projects of 2020 by Fast Company. Prior to that, she held several leadership positions focused on real estate, design and construction at Panda Restaurant Group and Arby’s Restaurant Group. Tabassum is a values-based leader and is committed
to growing the business while providing opportunities for the betterment of people, customers and communities. Her development experience is matched by her extensive education, with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and completion of the Harvard Business School Advanced
Management Program. While working in development, she quickly realized how a career in the food service sector provided an opportunity to scale the influence of her work and aligned with her values — allowing her to create spaces for tens of thousands of guests, support small business owners and create thousands of new jobs each year.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes, a specialty cake company, continues building out its senior leadership team with the appointment of new Chief Development Officer Chris Tarrant. At Nothing Bundt Cakes, Tarrant will oversee all aspects of strategic growth and development of the franchise system. “Nothing Bundt Cakes is growing exponentially, and Chris knows how to aggressively grow a brand in a purposeful way to bring our quality cakes to more guests nationwide,” interim CEO Sarah Spiegel said. “Our franchisees opened over 50 bakeries last year and expect to open more than 100 in 2023, so Chris is joining the team at a pivotal point as Nothing Bundt Cakes continues down its path of intentional growth.” Tarrant most recently served as senior vice president of
retail store development and design at Starbucks and was responsible for overseeing all facets of store development in the United States and Canada. He also served on the leadership team that oversees the operation of Starbucks stores in the United States..
Restaurant Brands International The Board of Directors of Restaurant Brands International Inc. appointed Joshua Kobza as CEO as part of its ongoing succession planning process. Kobza has held increasingly senior roles with the company over the last 11 years, including CFO, chief technology officer and development officer and COO, including accountability for strategy, technology, human resources, global procurement, supply chain and international development. Kobza was integral to the acquisitions of Tim Hortons in 2014, Popeyes in 2017 and Firehouse Subs in 2021. “Over the past several years, the board of directors has worked with management to build a thoughtful succession plan for key positions, so this is a natural transition for Josh to lead our next phase of growth. Personally, I’m motivated to work with and help such a talented person like Josh as he steps into this new leadership position,” Executive Chairman Patrick Doyle said.
Sugar Bowl Bakery
After 38 years of building, managing and growing Sugar Bowl Bakery as a family business, Andrew Ly, co-founder and current CEO and chairman of the board, has stepped aside from the CEO seat and appointed current President and COO Joel Feldman as his successor. Feldman will lead all cross-functional activity and will formulate and execute the company’s long-term strategy, while Ly will continue to guide Sugar Bowl Bakery serving as an
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