Executive Movements — September 2011
Top chef changes kitchens with a little help from the Wray Search team
Danny Meyer's Union Square Events catering division was poached by competitor Great Performances. This high level culinary search was conducted by Joe Radice, Vice President at Wray Executive Search New York City office.
It's poaching season in the catering world—not salmon, but chefs.
Great Performances, one of the city's largest caterers, reeled in a big catch: Robb Garceau, the executive chef of Union Square Events, headed by Danny Meyer. Mr. Garceau joins Great Performances as head toque on Aug. 22, after overseeing Mr. Meyer's catering business nearly since its launch in 2006.
“It was hard to leave, but it was the right decision,” said the 38-year-old chef.
He will oversee a staff of 56, about twice as many as at Union Square Events. The hire is a coup for Liz Neumark, founder and chief executive of Great Performances, which handles the food service at The Plaza Hotel, Jazz at Lincoln Center and other notable venues. “There are a very limited number of highly skilled catering chefs in New York,” said Carl Sacks, director of consulting for Catersource, a trade organization. Union Square Events is currently “in the process of hiring a new executive chef whose culinary expertise and passion will lead our catering business into its next chapter,” a spokeswoman for Mr. Meyer wrote in an email.
DineEquity, Inc., the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP, announced the appointment of Tom Emrey as chief financial officer, effective September 12, 2011. Mr. Emrey replaces John F. Tierney, who will be leaving the Company following a brief transitional period.
Mr. Emrey joins DineEquity from Universal Studios Home Entertainment, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal. For the past four years, Mr. Emrey has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. He previously served as chief financial officer of Universal Studios Home Entertainment between 2003 and 2007. Prior to Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Mr. Emrey held a number of senior finance positions at Nestlé USA.
Così Inc. chief executive James Hyatt has resigned, citing personal reasons, the company said.
Così’s chairman of the board, Mark Demilio, will serve as interim chief executive while the fast-casual operator and franchisor of 138 restaurants searches for Hyatt’s replacement.
“I am proud of our accomplishments over the last four years and believe the efforts we have made to focus the company on driving traffic and sales … will continue to gain traction and set the table for growth,” Hyatt said.
“My decision to leave was driven by personal considerations, as I was recently approached with an opportunity that will enable me to remain with my family in Atlanta,” he said.
The Wendy’s Company (NYSE:WEN) announced today that Emil J. Brolick will join Wendy’s as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 12, 2011. Brolick, who will relocate to the Dublin area, will also join the Company’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Roland Smith, who will step down from his role as President and CEO but serve as a Senior Advisor to the Company during a transition period with Brolick through the end of the year. Smith will remain on the Company’s Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Emil back to the Wendy’s family,” said Nelson Peltz, Chairman of The Wendy’s Company. “Emil is a proven brand builder in the restaurant industry who recently led the turnaround of Taco Bell and drove strong same-store sales growth. Emil was also one of the primary architects of Wendy’s strategy in the late 1980s, which produced 16 consecutive years of same-store sales growth for the brand. Emil is the perfect CEO to lead Wendy’s today – he is joining Wendy’s at a time when the company is performing well with strong sales momentum. Having recently sold Arby’s, we are now focusing our resources on driving sales, profits and shareholder value at Wendy’s through continued new product development, re-engineering of the core menu, international expansion and investment in the North America restaurants.”
Taco Bell chief marketing officer David Ovens has resigned for personal reasons after four years with the quick-service brand, the company said Thursday. Ovens, who began as CMO at Taco Bell in 2007, was working with company executives on a plan to reignite the brand, said Rob Poetsch, Taco Bell spokesman. However, citing personal reasons, Ovens has decided to return to Australia with his family. The chain’s chief executive Greg Creed will lead the marketing team while Taco Bell searches for his replacement, Poetsch said.
Ruth's Hospitality Group Inc. has named Cheryl J. Henry chief branding officer, replacing former chief marketing officer Jill Ramsier. The company owns restaurant brands including Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Mitchell’s Fish Market.
Henry, who joined the Heathrow, Fla.-based company in 2007 and worked most recently as its chief development officer, will oversee marketing and branding strategy beginning Monday, enhancing existing sales initiatives and developing new revenue centers.
Henry has more than 16 years of management experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, and business and real estate development. In addition to overseeing a team of real estate and construction professionals, she also managed the development of new business lines and created and launched the Catering Division, HD Satellite Program and Corporate Dining initiatives for Ruth’s Hospitality Group.
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (NASDAQ: CAKE) today announced that Donald Evans joined the Company as Chief Marketing Officer. Mr. Evans will be responsible for all aspects of the Company’s marketing and branding, including planning and executing marketing strategies, and social media and other publicity campaigns.
Mr. Evans’ experience, spanning over 15 years, focuses on brand and product marketing for a number of major Hollywood studios and as a consultant, primarily to clients in the entertainment industry. He spent 11 years with The Walt Disney Company, most recently as Senior Vice President of Animation Marketing for Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Animation Studios. In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of strategic marketing, including traditional and digital campaigns, publicity, research, media and in-theater marketing, resulting in successfully publicizing the studios’ biggest animated releases. In addition, Mr. Evans served as CEO of 33 Consulting, a firm he founded, whose clients included creative agencies such as Wieden + Kennedy and mOcean, where he developed film marketing and strategy plans, as well as clients such as Activision. 
Michael Keller has resigned as chief brand officer of International Dairy Queen Inc. to become president and chief executive of St. Paul, Minn.-based Pearson’s Candy Company, the company said Wednesday.
Dean Peters, Dairy Queen’s associate vice president of communications, said the brand is currently searching for Keller’s replacement. Dairy Queen president and chief executive John Gainor will oversee brand-marketing strategy in the interim, Peters said.
Under Keller’s leadership, Edina, Minn.-based Dairy Queen executed marketing campaigns for the brand’s 70th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of its signature Blizzard treat, as well as the recent rollout of the Mini Blizzard.
Michael Rossi, known amongst many in the local Orange County dining scene for his most recent role as executive chef at the legendary Ambrosia restaurant and also at his previous position as part of the opening team of Disney's® award-winning Napa Rose restaurant has been named executive chef for THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon slated to open fall of 2011.
Rossi, an Orange County native, attended the prestigious California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, graduating at the top of his class. Degree in hand and a desire to learn European tradition he traveled to Italy and worked in one of southern Italy's finest restaurants at Michelin starred restaurant, Il Principe in Pompeii leading him to land in Bologna to work alongside one of Italy's greatest chef's, Bruno Barbieri at the Michelin two-star restaurant, Locanda Solarola. He has also worked alongside notable chefs such as Roy Yamaguchi when he opened Roy's Newport Beach and Food Network's "Two Hot Tamales", Susan Fenniger and Mary Sue Milliken at Santa Monica's Border Grill. In addition to his education and experiences, Rossi has also completed his second level certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Initially, Rossi joined THE RANCH to assist vice president of food & beverage and Master Sommelier, Michael Jordan in developing the food & beverage program. Rossi & Jordan previously worked together at Napa Rose, "Michael Rossi is a rising star chef, having worked with him before and knowing his cooking style I knew immediately that THE RANCH was a perfect fit for him," said Jordan.
O’Charley’s Inc. (NASDAQ: CHUX) announced that Wilson L. Craft, O’Charley’s Concept President, has resigned to pursue other opportunities. O’Charley’s, Inc. President and CEO David W. Head will serve as interim Concept President while the Company conducts a nationwide search to fill the position. “For the past two years, Wilson Craft has led our O’Charley’s concept through an unusually challenging environment for the casual dining industry,” said Head. “His diligence and leadership have been an asset to our organization and have helped O’Charley’s make tangible strides toward enhancing the guest experience. We appreciate his contributions to these improvements and wish him well in his future endeavors.” 
AFC Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCE), the franchisor and operator of Popeyes® restaurants, announced that Andrew G. Skehan has been named Chief Operating Officer, International of its Popeyes brand. Mr. Skehan joins Popeyes with extensive experience in International strategy, operations, development and marketing. From 2009 to 2011, he served as chief operating officer of Wendy's/Arby's International. Prior to this position, he served as president, Europe, Africa & Middle East for Quizno’s® Restaurants, LLC. Mr. Skehan has a total of 22 years of International, strategic and leadership experience including senior operations, marketing and management positions with Churchill Downs Incorporated; Nabisco®, Incorporated; and PepsiCo Restaurants International.
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. announced executive management changes at the Company, effective August 18, 2011. W. Kent Taylor will resume the role as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, a position he held between May 2000 and October 2004. Prior to being named Chief Executive Officer in May 2000, he was the Company's President since its founding in 1993. Mr. Taylor will also retain his positions as Chairman of the Company and Board. Mr. Taylor’s return to his prior position as Chief Executive Officer follows the resignation of G.J. Hart, former President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective August 17, 2011. Mr. Hart left the Company to accept the positions of Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of California Pizza Kitchen, Inc.
In addition, Scott M. Colosi has been named President of the Company. Mr. Colosi has been employed by the Company as its Chief Financial Officer since September 2002.
Finally, G. Price Cooper, IV has been named Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Cooper has been employed by the Company as its Vice President of Finance since August 2006.
California Pizza Kitchen Inc. has named former Texas Roadhouse chief executive G.J. Hart its new president, chief executive and executive chairman, succeeding Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, the CPK co-founders. The Los Angeles-based owner of the namesake 262-unit casual-dining chain said its going-private buyout in July made it the right time to bring in new leadership. CPK was purchased by private-equity firm Golden Gate Capital for $470 million. In a joint statement released Thursday, Rosenfield and Flax said the company needed “a new CEO with the operational and strategic expertise to take CPK to the next level of performance.” “In G.J., we have found a talented leader with demonstrated success in building one of the most popular and respected casual-dining brands through employee loyalty and a focus on delivering a superior dining experience for consumers,” Rosenfield and Flax said. “His leadership skills and entrepreneurial drive, combined with CPK’s reputation of delivering delicious, innovative food and excellent service, position the company for continued success.”
Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, announced the appointment of Michael F. Hines to the Dunkin' Brands Board of Directors. Mr. Hines will also serve as the Chair of the Audit Committee.
Hines spent 12 years in public accounting, with the last eight years with the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP. Hines is also a director of GNC Holdings, Inc. and of The TJX Companies, Inc. He was a director of The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. from 2003 until the company was acquired by a private equity group in 2007. He received a bachelor's degree in accountancy and a master's degree in taxation from Bentley University.
McDonald’s Corp. said that Steve Easterbrook would resign as president of McDonald’s Europe, effective Sept. 30. Doug Goare, the company’s current executive vice president of global supply chain, real estate development and franchising, will succeed Easterbrook, effective Oct. 1. Easterbrook will join the privately owned Gondola Group as chief executive of international restaurant brand PizzaExpress. Gondola Group is a London-based multiconcept operator. He has been head of McDonald’s 40-country European division since Dec. 1, 2010. Before that Easterbrook had served for less than half a year as chief global brand officer before being promoted to replace former European president Denis Hennequin. Previously, Easterbrook had been chief executive of McDonald’s U.K. from 2006 to 2010. He joined McDonald’s in his native United Kingdom in 1993.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (NASDAQ: RRGB) announced the appointment of Stuart B. Brown as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Mr. Brown will be responsible for leading a wide range financial disciplines at the Company including accounting, financial planning and external reporting, as well as overseeing the Company’s supply chain organization.
Mr. Brown brings more than 20 years of leadership in corporate finance, including 10 years in the food retailing industry. He has extensive experience in public company finance including capital markets, treasury, financial planning and analysis, financial reporting and investor relations, as well as working closely with operations teams to strengthen performance.
“Stuart Brown is a great addition to the Red Robin team,” said Steve Carley, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.’s chief executive officer. “Throughout his extensive career, Stuart has demonstrated his talent in leading finance teams in multiple areas and in a diverse range of industries, and making impressive contributions along the way. We’re excited to have Stuart on board at Red Robin as we continue to strengthen our performance and implement Red Robin’s long-term strategic plan.”
Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN; BNHNA), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, announced that it has hired David Flanery as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Formerly Chief Financial Officer at Papa John's International Inc., Mr. Flanery will be based in Miami and report directly to Richard Stockinger, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Benihana Inc. He replaces Gene R. Baldwin, who has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer since January 2010 and who will continue in a transition role for a brief period.
Mr. Flanery is a seasoned restaurant executive with 17 years of experience at Papa John's, a period that saw the company grow from a regional chain of 400 restaurants to a global brand with 3,700 restaurants in all 50 states and 32 countries. From 2004 to 2011, he was Chief Financial Officer, overseeing all finance functions, including SEC reporting, treasury management and investor relations. During that time, he had added responsibility for international operations for approximately three years. Prior to becoming CFO, he held senior finance positions at Papa John's with additional responsibility, at various times, for information systems and supply chain. Before joining Papa John's in 1994, he spent 15 years with Ernst & Young, where he rose from Staff Accountant to Senior Manager. Mr. Flanery is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky.
The rapidly growing Smashburger chain announced Wednesday the promotion of Greg Creighton to president, along with several other key executive moves.Creighton, formerly the chain’s chief operating officer, reports to chair and chief executive Dave Prokupek.
In a rejiggering of the management team to better support the company’s growth, the Denver-based better burger brand has added several senior vice presidents:
• Chris Chang, previously a vice president at Smashburger’s parent private-equity firm Consumer Capital Partners, was named senior vice president of finance and strategy for the chain. Prior to joining Consumer Capital Partners, Chang worked at Vail Resorts in corporate development. He also has experience at Western Union/First Data and Goldman Sachs.
• Jeremy Morgan has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing and consumer insights. He previously served as Smashburger’s vice president, strategy.
• Max Sheets was appointed senior vice president, real estate. His prior position was vice president, real estate.
• Doug Branigan remains in the role of senior vice president, franchising, but has assumed the added responsibility of leading franchise sales and relations, as well as staying involved in franchise real estate and development.
• At the vice president level, Smashburger promoted Jim Ernster to the post of vice president, construction. He will lead franchise development for both company and franchise locations. Previously, Ernster served as director of construction.
• Doug Thielen is a new hire as vice president, communications. Thielen previously served as manager of nontraditional marketing and public relations for Qdoba Mexican Grill.
Atlanta-based Petrus Brands, which owns Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie, has named Gloria Garrett executive vice president of marketing. Garrett, who most recently served as senior vice president of brand management for casual-dining chain Olive Garden, will lead Petrus’ marketing efforts, including brand management, consumer insights, field marketing, growth initiatives and all-national integrated marketing, including advertising and public relations.
"Gloria has one of the best food and beverage pedigrees I have seen in the industry," said Chris Morocco, Petrus Brands chief executive. "It says a great deal about the potential of our brands to secure a talent like Gloria, and it couldn't come at a better time as we continue to expand the Shane's Rib Shack and Planet Smoothie brands.”
Besides working at Olive Garden, which is owned by Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, Garrett has held executive marketing and branding roles with The Coca-Cola Company, Microban International, Revlon and Mars, Inc.
"It's an exciting time to join an emerging franchisor like Petrus Brands," Garrett said in a statement. "We have two brands with enormous potential, a strong management team and committed investors.”
Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) today announced the addition of Madeleine Kleiner to the company’s board of directors, effective September 22, 2011.
Kleiner was most recently executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary for Hilton Hotels Corporation, a hotel and resort company. At Hilton, Kleiner oversaw the company’s legal affairs and the ethics, privacy and government affairs functions. She was also a member of the executive committee, with significant responsibility for board of directors matters. She left Hilton in 2008 after completing her responsibilities in connection with the sale of the company.
Kleiner currently serves on the Board of Directors of Northrop Grumman Corporation. She also is vice chair of the UCLA Medical Center Board of Advisors and a member of the board of the New Village Charter School. She previously served as a director of several Merrill Lynch mutual funds operating under the Hotchkiss and Wiley name. Kleiner earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her juris doctorate from Yale Law School.
American Blue Ribbon Holdings, parent to the Village Inn, Bakers Square and Max & Erma’s brands, has named Jennifer Sanning chief marketing officer, officials said Monday.
Sanning previously worked as chief marketing officer at Rainbow Rewards, a loyalty-marketing firm. During her ad agency career, she worked with brands such as Frito-Lay, MillerCoors, McDonald’s and Boston Market. She has also served as vice president of marketing for Quiznos Corp.
At American Blue Ribbon Holdings, or ABRH, Sanning will be responsible for leading marketing functions, as well as menu development and culinary direction.
Based in Denver, ABRH, a subsidiary of Fidelity Newport Holdings LLC, operates 217 Village Inn units, 46 Bakers Square restaurants and 73 Max & Erma’s locations.
All three brands were acquired out of bankruptcy — Village Inn and Bakers Square in 2009, and Max & Erma’s last year.
Kona Grill, Inc. (NASDAQ: KONA) announced the promotion of Larry Ryback from Senior Vice President of Operations to Chief Operating Officer. "Over the past 18 months, Larry has successfully led our operations team through various menu improvement, marketing, and operating efficiency initiatives that have enhanced the guest experience while improving the sales and profitability of our restaurants," said Mike Nahkunst, interim president and CEO of Kona Grill. "His strong leadership abilities have been instrumental in driving strong same-store sales and profitability during 2011. We congratulate Larry on this well-deserved promotion." 
IHOP announced the appointment of Natalia Franco to the position of senior vice president, marketing. Ms. Franco is a food and marketing industry veteran with nearly 30 years experience, including marketing leadership positions with Burger King Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and General Mills. Ms. Franco will be responsible for developing and delivering strategic direction of the IHOP brand through advertising, brand marketing, innovation and product development. 
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) Announced a Series of Changes to Its Management and Board, Continuing Its Process of Transitioning Its Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors for the Future:
- Sandra B. Cochran, currently President and Chief Operating Officer, a post she has held since November 2010, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 12, 2011, at which time she is also slated to become a member of the Board of Directors. Ms. Cochran joined Cracker Barrel in April 2009 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer after serving in executive positions, including as Chief Executive Officer of Books-A-Million, the nation’s third largest book retailer.
- Michael A. Woodhouse, currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will become Executive Chairman, effective upon Ms. Cochran becoming Chief Executive Officer. He has been Chairman of the Board since November 2004 and Chief Executive Officer since August 2001. He joined Cracker Barrel in 1995 as Senior Vice President and CFO.
- James W. Bradford has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Bradford is dean and Ralph Owen Professor for the Practice of Management at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. An experienced corporate executive, Bradford previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Glass Corporation, a consolidation of glass fabricators in the United States and Canada, from 1999 to 2001 and as President and Chief Executive Officer of AFG Industries Inc., North America’s largest vertically integrated glass manufacturing and fabrication company, from 1992 to 1999, after joining that company in 1984 as general counsel following 11 years in private practice.
- Directors Robert C. Hilton and Jimmie D. White have informed the Company that they do not intend to stand for re-election at the 2011 Annual Meeting. They have served on the Board for 30 and 18 years, respectively.
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (NASDAQ: RRGB), announced the appointment of Denny Marie Post as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Ms. Post will be responsible for the development and execution of Red Robin’s brand strategies and product innovation, overseeing the company’s internal marketing, R&D and communications teams, as well as several outside agencies.
Ms. Post brings more than 30 years of leadership in consumer driven marketing and product innovation. She has extensive experience building teams to develop and execute on strategies that increase brand awareness and drive sales.