Franchise Industry Personnel Changes
When it comes to business, it's all about people, and networking is the name of the game. Read up-to-the-minute announcements about franchise movers and shakers as they accept promotions, make strategic moves, and build franchise operations teams and alliances with the best people in franchising. If franchise executives and officers are on the move get all the details here—and perhaps find a new opportunity for yourself.
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 World's Largest Barbecue Restaurant Chain gets a Smokin' New Vice President
DALLAS, March 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. has promoted Timothy Sharp to Vice President of Operations. Sharp will now manage an operations team focused on system wide sales.
"Tim has energized our operations department through his strong leadership background," said Roland Dickey, Jr., president of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. "At our fast growth rate, we are thrilled to have such a heavy hitter leading our expansion operations."
Dickey's Barbecue added over 66 stores last year and is planning to add 100 new locations nationwide in 2012. Sharp brings a wide range of expertise from companies such as Cracker Barrel, Chevy's Fresh Mex and California Pizza Kitchen... |
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OAK BROOK, IL, Mar 21, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) today announced that Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner has informed the Board of Directors of his decision to retire after 41 years with the Company, effective June 30, 2012. McDonald's Board of Directors elected current President and Chief Operating Officer Don Thompson to succeed Skinner as CEO, effective July 1, 2012.
"Jim's stellar leadership has driven unprecedented momentum at McDonald's. This success has benefitted our valued shareholders, as McDonald's compound annual total shareholder return was 21 percent during Jim's tenure as CEO, and market capitalization surpassed $100 billion for the first time in the company's history," said Andy McKenna, chairman of McDonald's Board of Directors... |
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March 22, 2012 // Franchising.com // SAN ANTONIO – Caring Senior Service, a national homecare company, has announced that Tauni Odia has joined the corporate team as the Referral Services Director.
Odia comes to Caring Senior Service with 10 years experience in marketing and sales.
“Tauni joins the team at a really exciting time. We are about to open 18 new locations and her unique blend of marketing experience, business development and sales will be greatly beneficial to us.” said CEO and Founder Jeff Salter.
As Referral Services Director, Odia will lead the industry respected company’s marketing and sales strategies.
About Caring Senior Service
Founded in 1991, Caring Senior Service operates 42 offices in 14 states – Arizona, Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin... |
March 21, 2012 at 4:55AM PDT | Source: RE/MAX |
Westford, MA, March 21, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Luz Vasudevan has joined RE/MAX Prestige as the newest member of this dynamic sales team. With a background in Social Services, Luz has great ethical and moral standards, which are extremely important in the real estate business. Luz also has a strong knowledge of the community, negotiation skills, and a commitment to providing excellent service; all crucial elements in making the real estate transaction a successful one.
"My first responsibility is to help my buyers and sellers," said Vasudevan. "And my move to RE/MAX will be a significant benefit to my clients, because RE/MAX has the most powerful name brand in real estate. With nearly 90,000 Sales Associates in more than 80 countries, when I list a property here in Westford it's exposed to a huge audience... |
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SVP Alexandra Jaritz and SVP Michael Murphy Named Corporate Officers for Leading Worldwide Lodging Franchisor
SILVER SPRING, Md., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) today announced that it has named two company associates as the organization's newest corporate officers. The company's board of directors appointed Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president of brand strategy and marketing, and Michael Murphy, senior vice president of Cambria Suites and Ascend Collection, as officers of the company. Both Ms. Jaritz and Mr. Murphy report directly to President and CEO Stephen P. Joyce.
Ms. Jaritz, who has been with Choice since 2001, is responsible for setting the vision and brand strategy for its core portfolio of brands including Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion,
MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn... |
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March 19, 2012 // Franchising.com // Wellington, Fla. - LED Source®, an international supplier of LED lighting that specializes in full-scale evaluations and retrofits, has announced a new vice president of finance. Josh Tolford brings more than 20 years of experience in financial leadership in the technology, hardware and environmental products sectors to LED Source. He starts with the company this month.
Tolford is a seasoned financial leader with years of experience in financial infrastructure management in diverse corporate settings. Before joining LED Source, Tolford was chief financial officer of international real estate development company Pinnacle Properties, where he provided crucial financial guidance on corporate strategies... |
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March 19, 2012 // Franchising.com // PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Effective March 15 and in keeping with Realogy's Feb. 27 press release, Richard A. Smith, Chief Executive Officer and President of Realogy Corporation, a global leader in real estate and relocation services, took on the additional role of Chairman of the Realogy Board of Directors.
About Realogy Corporation
Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, has a diversified business model that includes real estate franchising, brokerage, relocation and title services. Realogy is among the 2012 World's Most Ethical Companies recognized by the Ethisphere® Institute, a leading international business ethics think-tank. Realogy's brands and business units include Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker®, Coldwell Banker Commercial®, The Corcoran Group®, ERA®, Sotheby's International Realty®, NRT LLC, Cartus and Title Resource Group... |
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March 16, 2012 // Franchising.com // ST. LOUIS – Panera Bread Company (NASDAQ: PNRA) has announced that Founder and Executive Chairman, Ron Shaich, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Bill Moreton, will become co-CEOs, effective immediately.
The transition to co-CEOs formalizes a relationship that has evolved over the last year and is a reflection of the way in which Shaich and Moreton have been operating as partners. This change in titles is simply a statement of their partnership and shared commitment to Panera.
Effective today, each individual’s formal title will be as follows: Ron Shaich, Chairman of the Board and co-CEO; Bill Moreton, President and co-CEO.
Comment from Bill Moreton: “This is the kind of partnership with Ron that I’ve always wanted... |
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March 16, 2012 // Franchising.com // WASHINGTON - The International Franchise Association has named Dean Heyl, a veteran lobbyist, attorney and expert on issues impacting franchise businesses as Director, State Government Relations, Public Policy & Tax Counsel.
"Dean brings to IFA a wealth of experience and expertise on franchise issues, particularly those concerning independent contractor and taxes at the state level," said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira. "We are thrilled to have Dean join our team as we continue our diligent pursuit to educate lawmakers and the media about the strong economic impact of franchising at the state level."
Heyl comes to IFA from the Direct Selling Association, where he was Director of Government Relations in addition to serving as an attorney for the association for almost nine years... |
March 16, 2012 at 4:42AM PDT | Source: SIGNARAMA |
 SIGNARAMA in Fayetteville, NC is under new ownership by Mike DeGroff.
Fayetteville, NC, March 16, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The United Franchise Group (UFG), a $500 million West Palm Beach franchise organization, announced today that the SIGNARAMA in Fayetteville is now owned by local resident Mike “Buzz Saw” DeGroff. The store is located at 1015 Robeson Street Suite 103.
Before becoming a SIGNARAMA franchisee, DeGroff served for a total of 28 years in the 5th and 3rd Special Forces Group and the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade; he retired June of 2011 as a Command Sergeant Major.
DeGroff says discovering this franchise came at a perfect time because he was ready to retire from defense contracting, adding, “I have always wanted to run a business and my many years experience leading and managing troops has prepared me for this challenging endeavor... |
March 15, 2012 at 5:58AM PDT | Source: RE/MAX |
Experienced Real Estate Team Come to Florida After Running Successful RE/MAX Office in Pennsylvania
Holmes Beach, FL, March 15, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Broker/Associates Creighton and Sharon Faust have joined RE/MAX Alliance Group in the Anna Maria Island office.
Both licensed in 1990, they most recently were the Broker/Owners of RE/MAX Central in Pennsylvania, where they earned the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award, Hall of Fame Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. They also have been featured in the RE/MAX Success Stories book.
Their extensive knowledge of new construction and interior design, combined with excellent customer service and strong negotiating skills, make them uniquely qualified to assist buyers relocating to the area, as well as local buyers and sellers... |
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March 15, 2012 // Franchising.com // Uniondale, Long Island, New York – Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. announced today that they have appointed senior partner, Douglas J. Good, as its first General Counsel. Mr. Good will be involved, in that capacity, in advising the law firm regarding professional ethics, and various compliance issues. In addition to his responsibilities as General Counsel, Mr. Good, who has been with Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. for over 30 years, will continue his primary duties as a senior partner in the Litigation Department and member of the firm’s Employment Law and Corporate Governance Practice Groups. Mr. Good is the leader of the firm’s Practice Management Committee, a position he has held for many years based on his substantive skills in the field of legal ethics... |
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STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 15, 2012-- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that Jay Koval, Vice President of Investor Relations, will be stepping down from his position to pursue a new opportunity. Stephen Pettibone has been appointed Vice President of Investor Relations, effective immediately.
Vasant M. Prabhu, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer said, "We are excited for Jay as he moves on in his career. For six years, Jay has been an integral part of our team, steering our Investor Relations function during the financial crisis and subsequent growth of our business. Last year, Starwood's Investor Relations was named the Best in Gaming and Lodging by Institutional Investor Magazine... |
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March 14, 2012 // Franchising.com // Austin based Gatti’s Pizza, announces the addition of top industry talent to lead the heritage pizza company into new and exciting territory. Blue Sage Capital, a private equity investment firm and owner of the iconic pizza brand, has hired restaurant industry executive Richard Snead as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Blue Sage Capital co-founding partner, Jim McBride, explains, “Gatti’s Pizza is a mature brand at the crossroads of reinvention. It’s a tough, but exciting category that faces several challenges but has significant opportunities. We are extremely fortunate to find a leader of Richard’s caliber. After an extensive, nationwide search we are confident that Richard’s experience, skill set and personality are the perfect fit to grow the Gatti’s brand and navigate the complexities of this business... |
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March 14, 2012 // Franchising.com // Two College Station natives have returned home to take over something they love: the local Lenny's Sub Shop franchise.
Cody and Tracy Maxwell moved to Bryan about a month ago from Waco, bringing with them another business they've created, Capitol Ranch Real Estate, and their 6-year-old son and 9-month-old daughter. Since purchasing the sub shop, the entrepreneurial team has divided its time between working at their Lenny's in the North Park Plaza shopping center and spreading the word about its delicacies.
The Maxwells said their goal is to present a great community service, increase marketing, continue to present quality customer service and satisfy cravings with authentic subs, sliced and made to order... |
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Caring Senior Service, a national homecare company, has named Presley Erickson as Care Manager for its San Antonio office.
March 13, 2012 // Franchising.com // As a Certified Nursing Assistant, Erickson has a broad range of professional nursing experience. Most recently, she worked for an assisted living facility and as a caregiver for the San Antonio office.
“With Presley’s nursing background and her previous position as a caregiver for the San Antonio office, I’m confident that she will be instrumental in ensuring clients and families receive the ongoing support and quality caregivers that Caring Senior Service is known for,” said CEO and Founder Jeff Salter.
As Care Manager, Erickson will be responsible for coordinating and assisting in the supervision of client care of seniors in San Antonio... |
March 13, 2012 at 10:29AM PDT | Source: Europcar |
March 13, 2012 // Franchising.com // Caroline Parot has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Europcar Groupe, the leader in car rental services in Europe. She replaces Claire Giraut, and joins the group’s Executive Committee alongside Roland Keppler, Chief Executive Officer, and Rafael Girona, Chief Operating Officer.
Caroline Parot was previously in charge of Group Controlling for the Group.
Prior to joining Europcar, Caroline held senior finance positions within the Technicolor Group (formerly Thomson) as Group Controller and Technology Segment CFO. Caroline started her career as Senior Manager Audit at Ernst & Young.
Caroline holds a Master in Finance from ESCP Business School, and a post-graduate degree in Economics & Mathematics from Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne... |
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 Carros Is Making MOOYAH’s Famously Better Burgers, Fries & Shakes Even More Delicious
March 13, 2012 // Franchising.com // Dallas, TX – MOOYAH’s new franchise business consultant and fine dining expert Johnny Carros really knows his burgers as well as his chateaubriand. But he believes in the excellence of both, and his job is making sure that each and every burger MOOYAH serves is the best it can be.
For Carros, whose 29-year background is mostly in the fine dining business, food is passion, and passion is one concept that should always comes through no matter what the food is.
“I don’t care if you’re serving chateaubriand or a cheeseburger, your execution and love for what you do should be parallel... |
March 13, 2012 at 7:42AM PDT | Source: ColorTyme |
PLANO, TX--(Marketwire - Mar 13, 2012) - ColorTyme, Inc., the nation's oldest franchisor of independently owned-and-operated rent-to-own stores, announced today that industry veteran Clyde Stutzman has joined the organization as Franchise Development Manager.
Stutzman, who has over 15 years of experience in both franchising and the rent-to-own business, will be responsible for helping grow the ColorTyme store count by bringing on new franchise owners. He will work with both RTO professionals and entrepreneurs/investors and assist existing RTO operators who wish to convert their independent RTO stores to ColorTyme via a strategic conversion program.
"The addition of Clyde and his extensive knowledge of the industry to our Franchising team is another positive step for ColorTyme," said President and CEO Cathy Skula... |
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MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (March 13, 2012) – Axum Capital Partners, a Charlotte, N.C. based private equity firm, announced today that its portfolio company Wild Wing Café has tapped two veteran executives of national restaurant brands to assume key posts. Wild Wing Café, the 33-unit restaurant company based in Mount Pleasant, S.C., was acquired by Axum in January 2012.
William E. Prather, former CEO of Hardees and executive vice president and head of worldwide operations for Burger King, will become the new Wild Wing Cafe chief executive officer. David A. Leonardo, former franchise development executive for Wendy’s, Arby’s and Burger King, will join the company as its chief development officer.
Wild Wing Café operates 11 company-owned and 22 franchised-owned restaurants across seven states... |
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