Executive Movements - October 2026
Sweetgreen Announces Lauren Crowley as Chief People Officer
Oct 8, 2026 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Crowley brings experience leading consumer brands through growth and transformation
Lauren Crowley, Chief People Officer at sweetgreen
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE: SG), the mission-driven restaurant brand serving healthy food at scale, today announced the appointment of Lauren Crowley as Chief People Officer, effective October 26, 2026. Crowley will report directly to Co-Founder and CEO Jonathan Neman.
Lauren Crowley has more than 20 years of experience leading people organizations through growth and transformation at consumer and technology brands, including Expedia Group, Starbucks, Whole Foods Market and Dell. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at OC Sports & Entertainment, where she led the people function. During her seven years at Expedia Group, she led enterprise-wide talent programs supporting 16,500 employees across 56 countries, and at Starbucks, she led U.S. retail HR operations supporting more than 200,000 partners across more than 15,000 stores.
“What drew me to sweetgreen is its unique combination of purpose, ambition and a genuine commitment to its people,” said Lauren Crowley, Chief People Officer of sweetgreen. “I look forward to partnering with the leadership team and our restaurant teams to build on the strong foundation already in place and create an environment where our people can grow their careers and help shape what’s next for the company.”
“Lauren brings the exact blend of strategic vision, operational rigor and people-first leadership that sweetgreen needs at this stage of our journey,” said Jonathan Neman, Co-Founder and CEO of sweetgreen. “She has a deep understanding of how to build strong cultures and people organizations at scale, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to the team. I know she will be an incredible partner to our leaders and our restaurant teams as we continue to evolve and grow.”
Adrienne Gemperle, who has served as Chief People Officer through an extraordinary period of growth and change for sweetgreen, will transition out of her role while working alongside Crowley through the end of the year to support a seamless transition.
“Adrienne has been an extraordinary leader, partner and champion for our people, and I’m deeply grateful for everything she has given to sweetgreen,” said Jonathan Neman. “She helped build and scale our people organization, and her impact can be seen across our culture, our leadership team and our restaurants.”
These leadership changes reflect sweetgreen’s continued investment in its team members and its commitment to establishing a people organization equipped to support the company’s next stage of growth.
About sweetgreen:
Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) is on a mission to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Sweetgreen sources the best quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they trust to cook food from scratch that is both delicious and nourishing. They plant roots in each community by building a transparent supply chain, investing in local farmers and growers, and enhancing the total experience with innovative technology. Since opening its first 560-square-foot location in 2007, sweetgreen has scaled to over 285 locations across the United States, and their vision is to lead the next generation of restaurants and lifestyle brands built on quality, community and innovation. To learn more about sweetgreen, its menu, and its loyalty program, visit www.sweetgreen.com. Follow @sweetgreen on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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Red Lobster Names Andy Pitts Chief Marketing Officer and Jon Tryzbiak Chief Information Officer
October 8, 2026
Leadership appointments strengthen brand strategy, guest engagement and technology modernization as Red Lobster builds for its next phase of growth
Orlando, FL (RestaurantNews.com) Red Lobster, the iconic seafood restaurant brand, today announced that Andy Pitts has been named Chief Marketing Officer and Jon Tryzbiak has been promoted to Chief Information Officer. The appointments further strengthen Red Lobster’s executive team, adding critical marketing and technology leadership for the company’s next phase of growth.
“Red Lobster is building for long-term growth, and that means having leaders who can strengthen both how we connect with our guests and how we enable our restaurants and teams,” said Red Lobster Chief Executive Officer Damola Adamolekun. “Andy has spent his career helping restaurant brands grow and adapt while staying true to what guests already love, and his years as a strategic agency partner to Red Lobster give him a deep understanding of this brand and our guests. Jon has already made a meaningful impact advancing the technology, data and systems that support our restaurants and teams. With Andy and Jon in these leadership roles, we’re better positioned to evolve the brand with greater focus, cohesion and discipline.”
Andy Pitts: Chief Marketing Officer
As chief marketing officer, Pitts will lead Red Lobster’s marketing and brand strategy, with a focus on deepening guest relationships, advancing the company’s digital and marketing capabilities, and strengthening how the brand connects with guests across channels.
Pitts has led Red Lobster’s marketing efforts as interim chief marketing officer since January 2026, helping drive the company’s digital transformation and the launch of Red Lobster Nation, a reimagined loyalty program designed to deepen guest engagement and give members more choice in how they interact with the brand and earn rewards. He brings nearly two decades of restaurant marketing experience, having worked with leading brands including Wingstop, Smoothie King, Fogo de Chão and Dairy Queen.
Jon Tryzbiak: Chief Information Officer
Jon Tryzbiak, Chief Information Officer
As chief information officer, Tryzbiak will lead Red Lobster’s technology transformation, with responsibility for modernizing the company’s technology foundation and advancing its data, analytics and restaurant systems capabilities. He will also lead efforts to leverage AI and emerging technologies to drive innovation, operational excellence and stronger support for Red Lobster restaurants and teams.
Since joining Red Lobster earlier this year, Tryzbiak has brought greater focus to how the company prioritizes and delivers technology across the organization, with an emphasis on simplification and stronger execution. He brings nearly 20 years of technology leadership experience, including roles with Brinker International, FB Society, Checkers & Rally’s, Bloomin’ Brands and Landry’s.
Pitts and Tryzbiak build on a series of executive additions at Red Lobster this year. The company previously named Brad Hill Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Transformation, and Kristen Briede Chief Global Development Officer, reflecting a deliberate effort to assemble the leadership team and capabilities needed for Red Lobster’s next phase of growth.
About Red Lobster
Red Lobster is the world’s largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. With a decades-long heritage, the company is focused on serving the highest quality, freshly prepared seafood that is traceable, sustainable and responsibly sourced. For more information, visit RedLobster.com or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
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CKE Restaurants Strengthens Executive Leadership Team to Support Growth Across Carl's Jr. and Hardee's
Oct 07, 2026, 09:42 ET
Alisa Gmelich joins the expanded team as Hardee's President to elevate guest experience and strength franchise alignment
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CKE Restaurants announced an expanded executive leadership structure under Chief Executive Officer Joe Guith to support the growth and development of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®. The structure provides dedicated leadership for each brand with the newly appointed Hardee's president, Alisa Gmelich, a seasoned franchise executive.
Guith joined CKE in 2025 with extensive experience in franchising, restaurant management, and consumer brand expansion. During his career, he has helped drive improvements in franchisee profitability, record sales, and traffic growth. Over the past year, he has focused on establishing dedicated leadership for each brand while advancing operational excellence, franchisee profitability and long-term brand relevance.
"Our brands have rich histories, loyal guests and passionate franchisees. Now, we're building on that foundation to make Carl's Jr. and Hardee's stronger, more competitive brands for decades to come," said Guith. "This leadership structure brings together the experience and capabilities needed to strengthen our brands, support our franchisees, and deliver memorable guest experiences. We are focused on building stronger brands and a culture where our people can thrive."
Brand Transformation and International Growth
For Carl's Jr., CKE launched its "Burger Revolution," anchored by the introduction of its Cooked-to-Order platform. Designed to deliver hotter, juicier burgers and improve restaurant execution, the initiative reinforces Carl's Jr.'s brand position as a burger authority under the leadership of Iwona Alter, President of Carl's Jr.
A respected industry leader and former Chief Operating Officer of Habit Burger & Grill, Alter joined CKE in fall 2025. She brings a unique blend of operational expertise, marketing leadership and franchise-focused experience to her role, where she is guiding Carl's Jr.'s next chapter of growth, innovation and guest experience transformation. The cooked-to-order initiative includes improved burger builds, enhanced ingredients and the successful launch of Angus Maximus, a premium burger platform that has generated significant guest interest.
Building on that momentum, Hardee's recently welcomed Alisa Gmelich as President. A seasoned franchise industry executive, Gmelich has held leadership roles at Sprouts Farmers Market, Auntie Anne's, IHOP, McDonald's and Burger King. In her new role, she is focused on reigniting growth, elevating the guest experience and strengthening franchisee alignment and advancing CKE's broader "Burger Revolution" across the Hardee's system.
CKE continues to expand its global presence through strong franchise partnerships, localized innovation and disciplined development. From Europe, the Middle East and Asia to the Americas, the company is extending the reach of its iconic Carl's Jr. and Hardee's brands in markets where guests are embracing their distinctive restaurant experiences.
Led by Ewan Davenport, President of International, CKE's international business remains a significant growth driver, with more than 600 restaurants in development worldwide. This momentum supports the company's long-term vision of building beloved burger and breakfast brands that resonate across cultures and communities.
Strengthened Leadership Team
This momentum is supported by a strengthened leadership team overseeing strategic priorities across CKE's international business and both brands. Together, these leaders bring deep expertise across finance, commercialization, supply chain and strategy to help accelerate growth, strengthen franchisee support and advance CKE's long-term transformation:
Ben Halliwell, Chief Commercial Officer – Halliwell joined CKE earlier this year after most recently leading omnichannel teams at Marco's Pizza and Inspire Brands. He leads CKE's commercialization efforts, bringing together brand strategy, technology, analytics and operations to improve how products and guest experiences are brought to market and scaled across the system. His organization plays a central role in driving demand generation, digital growth and commercial effectiveness.
Danton Nolan, Chief Financial Officer – Nolan brings nearly two decades of leadership experience spanning finance, development, technology and supply chain, including executive roles at Church's Texas Chicken, Inspire Brands, Arby's and Wendy's. He is charged with helping guide strategic growth and strengthening the financial foundation of the business.
Mauricio Sirgo, Chief Supply Chain Officer – Sirgo joined CKE in late 2025 after previously leading large-scale supply chain organizations for Yum! Brands, Kraft Heinz, Aramark and General Electric, bringing extensive expertise in operational excellence, sourcing, cost optimization and franchise support.
Nick Melka, Vice President of Strategy – Melka was appointed to Vice President of Strategy to guide the company's long-term transformation agenda. He leads cross-functional strategic initiatives that help align priorities across Carl's Jr., Hardee's and International operations while supporting sustainable, long-term decision-making and growth.
Cheryl Bowie joins CKE as interim Chief Human Resources Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience across the food and beverage and retail industries. In this role, she leads the company's HR function, with a focus on attracting and retaining top talent to support business growth.
About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., a privately held company based in Franklin, Tennessee, runs and operates Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® restaurants, two beloved brands, known for premium and innovative menu items such as iconic charbroiled burgers, Made from Scratch™ Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. With both a U.S. and international footprint, Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC have more than 3,600 franchised or company-operated restaurants domestically and more than 35 international markets and U.S. territories. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.
About Carl's Jr.
Carl's Jr.® is famous around the world for big, audacious, impossible-to-ignore flavors inspired by its California roots. For a bold move, guests have ordered items like over-the-top, juicy charbroiled burger creations, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™, Hand-Scooped Ice-Cream Shakes™ and indulgent breakfast burgers for more than 80 years. Together with its franchisees, Carl's Jr. operates more than 1,000 restaurants across the U.S. and has a presence in 24 countries worldwide. Learn more at www.carlsjr.com.
About Hardee's
Hardee's® is known for authentic and charming goodness and high-quality menu items, including charbroiled burgers like the Hardee's Frisco™, Made from Scratch™ Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. For over 65 years, Hardee's has brought people together with hand crafted menu offerings made by hardworking people, for hardworking people. Together with its franchisees, Hardee's operates more than 1,400 restaurants in 31 states. For more information, visit www.hardees.com.
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Hangry Joe’s Names Brandon Wilhelm CEO
October 6, 2026
New CEO to lead the hot chicken franchise’s next phase of growth, franchisee support and brand investment as it prepares to open 20 new locations.
McLean, VA (RestaurantNews.com) Hangry Joe’s, the hot chicken franchise with more than 90 locations, today announced the appointment of Brandon Wilhelm as chief executive officer, effective immediately. He will lead the company’s next phase of growth, with a focus on strengthening franchisee support, expanding the brand’s footprint as it prepares to open 20 new locations, and investing in the marketing and operational infrastructure behind Hangry Joe’s continued expansion.
Brandon Wilhelm brings more than 20 years of franchise development experience to the role. He spent nearly two decades developing Subway franchise territory across the Midwest as a development agent, the Subway system’s term for a regional franchise development partner, eventually overseeing operations strategy for more than 500 quick-service restaurant locations and mentoring more than 140 franchisees, before joining the Hangry Joe’s system as a multi-unit franchisee and president of Hangry Development Texas. He currently serves on the Hangry Joe’s Franchising Board of Directors and most recently served as the company’s acting chief marketing officer. Wilhelm holds a BBA from Baylor University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
“My number one focus as CEO is franchisee profitability: reducing cost of goods, driving sales, and improving our franchise partners’ bottom lines. If we give our franchisees the support, marketing, and systems they need to thrive, this brand will grow organically and quickly. I was actually considering stepping away from the restaurant business altogether, until I tried Hangry Joe’s and fell in love with the food. We have the best chicken in the industry, and I believe the whole country needs to try it,” said Brandon Wilhelm, CEO of Hangry Joe’s.
Under Wilhelm’s leadership, Hangry Joe’s will focus on four priorities:
Strengthening the profitability of its current franchised locations, ensuring existing franchisees have the support and unit economics to thrive
Bolstering the brand’s marketing and advertising investment to drive traffic and brand awareness system wide
Improving operational efficiency across the business to support franchisees more effectively
Pursuing disciplined restaurant development by pairing the right franchise owner with the right location, every time
“Brandon has been a trusted partner to this brand for years, and we couldn’t be more confident handing him the keys to our next chapter. His operational experience and genuine commitment to our franchisees make him exactly the right leader to take Hangry Joe’s forward,” said Mike Kim, co-founder of Hangry Joe’s Franchising.
About Hangry Joe’s
Hangry Joe’s is a fast-casual hot chicken franchise known for its scratch-made menu served at a range of heat levels. Founded in 2021, the brand has grown to more than 90 locations across more than 20 U.S. states and international markets including the UAE, and continues to expand across North America. For more information, visit HangryJoes.com.
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CAVA Names John Ludeke Chief Marketing Officer
Sep 30, 2026 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time
John Ludeke, Newly-Appointed Chief Marketing Officer at CAVA
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CAVA, the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, today announced the appointment of John Ludeke as Chief Marketing Officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company deepens its relationship with guests, expands nationally and continues to build one of the most distinctive brands in the restaurant industry.
In this role, effective October 12, Ludeke will lead CAVA’s marketing organization and partner closely with key functions to strengthen brand differentiation, deepen guest loyalty and engagement, advance digital experiences and more directly connect marketing to the restaurant experience as the company continues its rapid growth.
Ludeke is a marketing leader with more than 17 years of experience building high-growth, culturally relevant, consumer brands and transforming them into category leaders. Most recently, he served as Chief Brand Officer at Dr. Squatch, where he led global brand, creative, brand and retail media, social, public relations, retail marketing, partnerships and marketing strategy as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. During his tenure, he helped grow Dr. Squatch to $500 million in revenue, establish it as a leading men’s personal care brand, guide marketing through its acquisition by Unilever and expand its social presence through large-scale campaigns and celebrity, creator and entertainment partnerships.
Prior to Dr. Squatch, Ludeke spent more than a decade at Monster Energy. Based in Shanghai and Seoul for more than six years, he led marketing across the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, Korea, China, India and Vietnam. As a senior global marketing leader, he also helped shape strategy across dozens of countries and developed talent-driven campaigns and partnerships with global brands including Adidas, Ford, Activision, Tencent, Sony and DJI. His work has been recognized by Adweek, The Drum and the Marketing Agencies Association Worldwide, including placement on the Adweek 50, Adweek Creative 100 and The Drum Rebel 50.
“John is a proven builder of culturally relevant consumer brands and a thoughtful, passionate leader who knows how to turn brand belief into business momentum,” said Brett Schulman, Co-founder and CEO of CAVA. “One of the things that stands out about John is his ability to quickly understand the essence of a consumer brand and translate it into a meaningful marketing strategy that is relevant, distinctive, and true to the brand. We have a unique, category-defining opportunity at CAVA to bring the flavors, hospitality, and generosity of the Mediterranean to even more people. John brings the experience to help us do that, along with a leadership style grounded in curiosity, agility, positivity, and collective ambition. Those qualities reflect how we lead at CAVA, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the CAVA table.”
Ludeke has a track record of scaling consumer brands, building culture and creating meaningful connections with audiences around the world. In his new role at CAVA, he will help translate the company’s unique Mediterranean ethos into brand experiences that deepen guest connection, strengthen loyalty and support the company’s continued growth.
“CAVA has built something truly special: a brand rooted in great food, warm hospitality and a clear point of view on how food should make people feel,” said John Ludeke, CAVA’s newly appointed Chief Marketing Officer. “The company has tremendous momentum and a powerful opportunity to shape the future of the industry. I’m excited to join this team, learn from the team who has built CAVA and help bring CAVA’s Mediterranean spirit to even more guests and communities.”
About CAVA
CAVA is the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand bringing together bold, healthful flavors and ingredients at scale. A founder-led company, CAVA is guided by the belief that food should taste as good as it makes you feel, and that great meals and warm Mediterranean hospitality go hand in hand. Across ~500 restaurants in 30 states and Washington, D.C., guests can choose from an abundant selection of chef-curated or build your own bowls and pitas to meet their dietary and taste preferences. There are more than 17 billion possible ingredient combinations, featuring a variety of proteins, vegetables, signature dips such as Crazy Feta®, house-made beverages, and more. Guided by its mission to bring heart, health, and humanity to food, CAVA provides meaningful career opportunities for more than 15,000 team members and continues to invest in its people and communities. Learn more at cava.com.
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Mo’ Bettahs Names Restaurant Development Veteran Don Crocker as Chief Development Officer
September 30, 2026
Former Inspire Brands and Chick-fil-A executive brings more than 30 years of experience to corporate-led Hawaiian plate lunch brand
Salt Lake City, UT (RestaurantNews.com) Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food has named Don Crocker its chief development officer as the brand expands its corporate-owned footprint nationwide. Crocker, a former Inspire Brands and Chick-fil-A executive, brings more than three decades of experience to the role and will oversee real estate, design and construction, asset management and new restaurant openings across new and existing markets.
Crocker most recently served as chief development officer for Atlanta-based slider chain Smalls Sliders. Before that, he led domestic franchise and company-owned development at Inspire Brands across a portfolio that included Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, Sonic Drive-In and Baskin-Robbins. He also spent more than two decades at Chick-fil-A in senior real estate, restaurant development and supply chain roles, helping expand the brand into more than 65 new markets as annual sales grew from about $600 million to $10 billion.
“Don has spent his career helping restaurant brands grow at scale, and that experience makes him a tremendous addition to Mo’ Bettahs,” said Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo’ Bettahs. “We’ve built strong momentum while remaining disciplined about where and how we grow. Don understands that balance, and his leadership will help us continue expanding thoughtfully while maintaining the consistency and experience our guests expect.”
Earlier this year, Mo’ Bettahs announced plans to enter Phoenix, Indianapolis and Minneapolis through corporate-led, multi-unit development, building on 18 consecutive years of positive same-store sales growth. It has since entered all three markets and now operates more than 80 corporate-owned restaurants across nine states.
“Mo’ Bettahs has a strong foundation and a clear sense of what makes the brand special,” Crocker said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team to identify the right markets and locations to bring Mo’ Bettahs to more communities across the country.”
Founded in Bountiful, Utah, in 2008 by brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, Mo’ Bettahs was built around the recipes, traditions and hospitality they grew up with on O’ahu. The brand serves Hawaiian-style plate lunches featuring island-favorite entrees such as teriyaki chicken and steak, k?lua pig, p?lehu chicken and katsu chicken, paired with steamed rice, vegetables and creamy macaroni salad.
To learn more, visit MoBettahs.com.
About Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food
Mo’ Bettahs was founded in Bountiful, Utah, in 2008 by Kimo and Kalani Mack with a goal of providing guests with an authentic Hawaiian island barbecue experience, just like they enjoyed while growing up in O’ahu, Hawai’i. Mo’ Bettahs serves the plate lunch with an authentic Hawaiian experience, with items like freshly Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Steak, K?lua Pig, Deep-Fried Katsu Chicken, homemade macaroni salad and steamed rice. Since partnering with Savory Restaurant Fund, Blue Marlin Partners and Trive Capital, Mo’ Bettahs has grown to over 80 locations in Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada, Minnesota, Indiana and Arizona. Mo’ Bettahs has plans to spread the aloha spirit to more communities through continued expansion in the coming months and years. Mo’ Bettahs offers dine-in, takeout and catering. For more information, visit Mo’ Bettahs’ website or follow on Instagram, Facebook or Tik Tok.
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Original ChopShop Names Kyle Frederick as Chief Executive Officer
September 28, 2026
Longtime chief operating officer steps up to lead the feel good brand into a new era of growth
Dallas, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Original ChopShop, the feel good eatery known for customizable bowls, salads, sandwiches and more, has named Kyle Frederick Chief Executive Officer. Frederick succeeds Jason Morgan, who is transitioning from CEO into an advisory role after 10 years leading the brand.
Frederick has been part of Original ChopShop’s leadership team for a decade, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. In that role, he helped shape the company’s operations, culture and restaurant teams. As CEO, Frederick will lead the company as it brings its Feel Good Food experience to even more communities.
“What started as three Shops in Phoenix is now 30 locations across four markets, and I think ChopShop’s best days are still ahead,” said Jason Morgan, outgoing CEO of Original ChopShop. “I’m proud of everything our team has built over the last 10 years, and I’m excited about where Kyle will take it. I’ll be in his corner as an advisor, and I’m ready to watch this team continue to do big things.”
During his tenure as CEO, Morgan guided Original ChopShop through significant growth and established the operational and cultural foundation that continues to support the brand today.
Before joining Original ChopShop in 2016, Frederick held leadership roles at Zoës Kitchen. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and was named a 2022 Top 40 Under 40 honoree by the Dallas Business Journal.
“The last 10 years proved what Original ChopShop can be. The next 10 are about showing how far we can take it,” said Frederick. “I’m grateful to Jason for his leadership and for building such a strong foundation. We’ll keep investing in our people, our restaurants and the communities we serve, while bringing Feel Good Food to even more guests. “
The leadership transition comes as Original ChopShop continues to grow under Mac Haik Enterprises, which acquired all outstanding interest in the company. The Houston-based company has included Original ChopShop among its restaurant investments as the concept has expanded beyond its Phoenix roots.
To learn more about the feel good brand and explore its extensive menu offerings, visit OriginalChopShop.com. Download the Original ChopShop app and join the Chops Loyalty rewards program for exclusive food and beverage offers.
About Original ChopShop
Founded in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2013, Original ChopShop currently has 30 Shops in Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, College Station, Tucson and Atlanta. Original ChopShop provides a warm, welcoming place where guests “Fuel Their Well-Being” with flavorful food that’s “Chopped-in-Shop” daily with real, quality ingredients. The team at Original ChopShop is proud to offer customizable food for “Every/Body,” providing a variety of dietary-friendly items for adults and children, including food free of gluten, dairy, lactose and soy, along with vegetarian and vegan options. For more information, visit OriginalChopShop.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok and #JustFeelGood.
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Jack in the Box Inc. Appoints Former Starbucks CFO Rachel Ruggeri to Board of Directors
Sep 21, 2026 7:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Continues Board Refreshment with Accomplished Finance Leader Joining as Independent Director
Michael Murphy to Retire from the Board
The Company and GreenWood Extend Cooperation Agreement
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jack in the Box Inc. (“Jack in the Box” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: JACK) today announced that Rachel Ruggeri, former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Starbucks Corporation, has been appointed to its Board of Directors (the “Board”) as an independent director. The Company also announced that Michael Murphy will retire from the Board and will not stand for reelection at the Company’s 2027 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Ms. Ruggeri's appointment continues the Board's refreshment efforts, which have added new perspectives and relevant restaurant, consumer and financial expertise over the past year. As previously announced, President Taylor Montgomery is expected to join the Board when he assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer within the next 12 months.
“We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the Jack in the Box Board,” said Mark King, Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer. “She brings an exceptional combination of public company finance leadership and restaurant expertise. We look forward to benefiting from her experience and insights as we continue to focus on improving restaurant economics and creating a foundation for sustainable growth.”
“I am excited to join the Jack in the Box Board and support the Company’s efforts to strengthen financial performance and improve execution across the business,” said Ms. Ruggeri. “Jack in the Box has meaningful opportunities ahead, and I look forward to working with my fellow directors and the management team to help turn the Company’s priorities into results for franchisees and shareholders.”
Mr. King continued, “On behalf of the Board, I also want to thank Mike for his service as a director and contributions to Jack in the Box. We are grateful for his dedication to the Company and wish him the best.”
Additionally, Ms. Ruggeri’s appointment reflects the Board's commitment to thoughtful refreshment and its constructive dialogue with GreenWood Investors, LLC (“GreenWood”). The Company and GreenWood have agreed to extend their existing cooperation agreement, including customary standstill, voting and other provisions. The amended cooperation agreement will be filed on Form 8-K with the SEC.
“Over the past year, Jack in the Box’s Board has made substantial progress in refreshing its composition, adding relevant expertise and increasing alignment with shareholders,” said Chris Torino, Partner at GreenWood. “We welcome Rachel as a strong addition to the Board, and we are excited for Taylor Montgomery’s planned transition to CEO and future appointment to the Board. We look forward to continuing our constructive engagement with the Company.”
About Rachel Ruggeri
Ms. Ruggeri is an accomplished finance leader with over 30 years of experience across the quick service restaurant and consumer goods industries. She most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Starbucks Corporation, where she oversaw the company’s global finance, strategy and corporate development functions and helped navigate a period of significant transformation.
During more than two decades at Starbucks, Ms. Ruggeri held a series of increasingly senior finance roles, helping to drive strategic investment, improve performance, and strengthen the company’s balance sheet. She previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of The Krusteaz Company, where she advanced margin improvement initiatives and supported long-term growth. Ms. Ruggeri currently serves as a director on the board of Stryker Corporation, where she chairs the Audit Committee, and Open Farm. She holds an MBA from Washington State University.
About Jack in the Box Inc.
Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), founded and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation's largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,115 restaurants across 25 states, Mexico and Guam. For more information, including franchising opportunities, visit www.jackinthebox.com.
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Mountain Mike’s Pizza Names Sheena Dougher Chief Marketing Officer
September 16, 2026
Fast-growing Pizza Chain Proudly Taps Experienced Restaurant Marketing Executive to Lead Brand Strategy and Execution
Irvine, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for nearly 50 years, and home of the legendary crispy, curly pepperoni®, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, has appointed Sheena Dougher as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Dougher brings more than 15 years of multidimensional restaurant marketing experience to the role. Her impressive professional portfolio spans brand strategy, integrated marketing, media, advertising, public relations and social media. She most recently served as Vice President of Brand Marketing at Jack in the Box.
“Sheena’s track record is highlighted by her ability to translate brand strategy into tangible business results, and her numerous attributes as a seasoned marketer will further strengthen our brand position, drive traffic and sales, deepen our connections in the communities we serve and help introduce Mountain Mike’s to new guests and new regions across the country,” said Jim Metevier, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “For nearly a half-century, our chain has built a strong foundation underpinned by product quality, category differentiation and systemwide passion among our valued franchise partners, and with Sheena’s acute understanding of how effective national marketing and local restaurant successes intersect to impact brand performance, we expect to accelerate our climb to the top of the segment.”
As CMO, Dougher will oversee Mountain Mike’s comprehensive suite of integrated marketing strategies and activations, while creating new avenues to build on the brand’s many core strengths that showcase what distinguishes Mountain Mike’s from other pizza concepts. She’s expected to implement an array of thoughtful marketing initiatives that reinforce the brand’s product quality and distinctive identity. Dougher’s multifaceted areas of focus will include increasing brand awareness in new and existing markets, strengthening connections with local communities and driving sales. She also will support franchisee growth and restaurant-level performance, while developing opportunities across emerging channels, including B2B and catering.
In her previous role, Dougher oversaw brand strategy across public relations and social media, brand content, paid media and regional marketing. She held several marketing leadership positions with the organization and led award-winning and high-profile brand initiatives, including the Effie Award-winning “The Return of Mark Hamill” campaign in 2023. She has been recognized as a Business Insider Brand Marketing Rising Star, and she has received a Brand Innovators Women in Marketing Industry Innovation Award. Last year, she was named one of Reuters’ Trailblazing Women. Before Jack in the Box, Dougher held marketing roles with Rubio’s Restaurants, Garden Fresh Restaurants and Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, managing brand marketing, product launches, digital strategy and field marketing. At Mountain Mike’s, she succeeds Carol DeNembo, who previously served as CMO.
“What stands out most about Mountain Mike’s Pizza is the strength of the brand, the quality of the product and the genuine commitment from the people behind both,” said Dougher. “There’s a significant opportunity to deepen the foundation and amplify the Mountain Mike’s narrative by sharpening what makes the brand unique, bringing a truly remarkable brand story to more people and creating stronger guest connections in the communities we serve, and I am eager to help turn the opportunity into meaningful brand and business growth.”
To learn more about the growing franchise brand, visit MountainMikesFranchise.com.
About Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Since 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily has been a popular choice for families, serving “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!®” In addition to offering carryout, its own in-house delivery, and four third-party delivery options, Mountain Mike’s provides a family-friendly dine-in environment making it easy for guests to enjoy the brand’s signature experience wherever they are. Most of its nearly 350 locations feature a kids’ activity area with arcade games, dedicated party rooms and big screen TVs throughout, making Mountain Mike’s an ideal place for sports teams, family gatherings, group fundraising events and private parties alike. With a menu of signature pizzas, chicken wings, garlic knots, fresh salads, sharable desserts, and a selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone at Mountain Mike’s. Guests may also take advantage of streamlined ordering via the Mountain Rewards® app to earn exclusive offers and personalized rewards towards free food. This year, Mountain Mike’s was named one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek, as well as a top brand on Yelp’s Most Loved Restaurant Brands list.
For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit MountainMikesPizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
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