consumer insight experience with large, well-known brands, and will bring this guest-centered approach to making Popeyes ‘Easy to Love’ across the U.S. and Canada.”
Shake Shack Rob Lynch, the former president and CEO of Papa John’s International, was chosen as the next CEO for Shake Shack. Lynch succeeded Randy Garutti who will serve an advisor to the company through the end of this year to ensure a smooth transition. “Rob’s appointment as CEO marks the beginning of our next chapter of growth as we seek to further elevate Shake Shack as a leading global brand,” said Danny Meyer, Shake Shack’s founder and chairman of the board of directors. “Rob’s deep leadership experience with several well-established global brands will serve us well in executing on our long-term strategic priorities as we enter the next phase of our company’s growth. Rob’s leadership style is also a wonderful fit to advance Shake Shack’s culture of Enlightened Hospitality, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.” Before Papa John’s, Lynch was president of Arby’s, where he led operations, marketing, culinary, development and digital transformation, resulting in strong global system-wide sales growth and corporate profitability. Lynch has also served as vice president of marketing at Taco Bell and has more than 25 years combined experience in the quick service restaurant and consumer packaged goods industries.
“I am very excited to work with this outstanding team to continue to write the inspirational Shake Shack story, and to help it grow into its greatest potential,” Lynch said. “Shake Shack is special in the restaurant space — I love the food, the thoughtful Shack designs, and the soul of the brand. As I have learned more about the company, I have also gained tremendous respect for the strong culture that has been an integral part of the company’s success since its founding. I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead Shake Shack into the next phase of growth and I look forward to working with the board, our leadership team, and our licensed partners to realize the brand’s full potential.”
Starbucks
Michael Conway was named CEO, North America for Starbucks. The newly created position is expected to support the coffee chain’s switch to a clear, geographic leadership structure.
Conway has been a Starbucks partner since 2013 and most
recently served as group president, international and chain development. His deep experience in strategic planning and operational excellence, as well as his efforts to support building the Starbucks brand and culture around the world make him well positioned for this new role, the company said. Sara Trilling will remain executive vice president and
president, North America. She will focus on enhancing the retail partner experience while growing the North America store portfolio and licensed store business. She will report to Conway and remain a member of CEO Laxman Narasimhan’s leadership team.
Wild Eggs Wild Eggs, a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain with locations in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, announced the return of co-founder JD Rothberg as senior vice president of operations. “We’re thrilled to welcome JD back home,” said Andy
Abbajay, CEO of Wild Eggs. “JD helped build an innovative concept that inspired the breakfast industry, and we know that with his support, passion and commitment to excellence, Wild Eggs will continue the momentum in 2024.” As senior vice president of operations, Rothberg will oversee day-to-day operations. He said his goal is to continue Wild Eggs’ success and use his operational experience to help elevate the guest experience.
“Leaving Wild Eggs nearly five years ago was humbling,”
Rothberg said. “Founding this concept was a labor of love, and when I left, it was a period of mourning — Wild Eggs was my baby, but it afforded me invaluable insights and reaffirmed my passion for the restaurant industry. I hope to impart to our team that what we do is very important. People spend their precious time and hard-earned money with us, so it’s our duty to exceed their expectations.” Rothberg said he is looking forward to contributing to
the restaurant chain’s ongoing expansion and momentum of the company. “Wild Eggs’ new leadership team has made remarkable changes with technology, process and culinary innovations – specifically, getting the platform ready for aggressive growth plans with new catering options, franchising expansions and innovative menu items, and I look forward to contributing to this momentum. By upholding the standards and goals that defined Wild Eggs at its inception, we’re ready to expand our reach.”
52 FEDA News & Views
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