Howard joins Denny’s at a pivotal moment as the company advances Project Grand Slam, its focused operating agenda built around the highest-impact opportunities in the business, including new food innovation, value, catering, third-party growth, facilities modernization, profitable traffic, and restaurant execution. The work is designed to bring greater speed, discipline, and accountability to the areas that can create stronger performance for franchisees and the brand. “Denny’s is one of the few brands in American dining with this kind of heritage, reach, and emotional connection with guests,” Howard said. “What attracted me to this role is the opportunity to get close to the restaurants, work with operators and teams, and help improve the execution guests feel every day. Strong restaurants are built through consistency, discipline, and care. That is the work I am here to help drive.”
Domino’s Pizza Following the retirement of Russell Weiner, Domino’s Pizza announced Joe Jordan as its next CEO, effective Oct. 1, 2026. The move is the culmination of a multi-year succession planning process. Jordan has spent nearly 15 years in leadership roles across Domino’s marketing, U.S., and international operations, technology, and franchisee support. Most recently, he served as COO and president for Domino’s U.S. During his time at the pizza chain, Jordan has built a proven track record of driving growth and innovation across the business, from delivering strong same-store sales growth to leading Domino’s international business through a period of record expansion, opening more than 3,000 stores worldwide during his tenure. Most recently, he has overseen key strategic initiatives, including the relaunch of the company’s loyalty and e-commerce platforms. “Joe is a proven leader whose experience spans virtually every aspect of our business,” Executive Chairman David Brandon said. “After a thoughtful succession planning process, the board unanimously concluded that Joe is the right leader to serve as Domino’s next CEO. He embodies Domino’s culture of developing leaders from within, has earned the trust of franchisees across our global system, and is uniquely qualified to guide the company through its next phase of growth.” Weiner will transition from CEO to executive chairman- designate and become executive chairman following the company’s annual shareholder meeting in April 2027. Brandon will retire at that time, concluding 28 years of service. “I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to lead Domino’s,” Jordan said. “What makes Domino’s special is the strength of the people behind the brand, starting with our franchisees and including our team members and leaders around the world.”
Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme, Inc. appointed Suk Nicholas as chief commercial officer and Lori Suess as chief people officer. In the newly created role of chief commercial officer, Nicholas will join Krispy Kreme’s global leadership team and lead the company’s fresh delivery business in the U.S. and internationally. She will oversee the development and execution
of enterprise sales strategies to accelerate growth, expand key partnerships and revenue opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and build world-class commercial capabilities across markets.
Nicholas brings more than 15 years of Krispy Kreme experience to the position, having joined Krispy Kreme U.K. & Ireland in 2010. “Suk has played a pivotal role in building and scaling Krispy Kreme’s fresh delivery business and expanding our commercial capabilities,” CEO Josh Charlesworth said. “She is a growth-oriented leader with deep commercial expertise and a proven track record of delivering results.” Suess joined Krispy Kreme in 2020 and was named head of people and culture earlier this year, when she joined the global leadership team. She will oversee the company’s global people, culture, talent development, and employee engagement efforts.
McDonald’s Corp. McDonald’s Corp. named Skye Anderson as president of McDonald’s USA. Her appointment reflects the company’s focus on improving everyday restaurant experience, strengthening value offerings for customers, and driving long-term profitable growth across the U.S. business, the company said. As president, Anderson will oversee nearly 14,000 restaurants
across the United States and lead the company’s largest market. The move coincides with the chain’s effort to advance McDonald’s > NEXT, its strategy to be customers’ first choice while unlocking growth and productivity across the system. Anderson succeeds Joe Erlinger, who left McDonald’s after
more than two decades with the company, including almost seven years leading the U.S. business.
“Skye combines deep operational discipline with strong financial judgment and has earned the trust of owner/ operators, suppliers, and employees,” Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said.
Philz Coffee Philz Coffee, a California-based chain known for its one-cup-at- a-time approach to coffee, appointed Mark Johnson as chief operating officer-retail. Johnson joins an experienced leadership team that includes Chief Business Officer Andy Mai and Chief Development Officer Patti Nelson. Johnson will oversee Philz Coffee’s day-to-day retail operations, supporting the company’s continued growth. He brings to the company more than 30 years of operations leadership across leading food industry brands. Most recently, he spent 12 years at California Fish Grill, where he played a key role in scaling operations as the brand expanded across the country. Throughout his career, Johnson has built a reputation for operational excellence, team development, and driving consistent growth while preserving brand identity and guest experience, Philz Coffee said in a news release. “Philz has built something truly special through genuine hospitality and handcrafted coffee,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to join the team at this important moment for the brand’s growth and build upon the strong foundation already in place. I look forward to supporting our teams and strengthening our operations.”
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