Arby's Names Diana Petrovich-Tao Chief Operating Officer to Help Drive Brand Turnaround

By: Arby's | 21 Shares 247 Reads

ATLANTA, Dec 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEN), today announced that Diana Petrovich-Tao, 51, has been named Chief Operating Officer.

A capable, proven leader, Petrovich-Tao brings years of restaurant operations and franchise support experience to her new position with Arby's, including service with Burger King Corporation, Mrs. Fields Brands and other well-known brands.

"This appointment is a key component of our turnaround plan, as we work to grow sales and profits by enhancing the Arby's customer experience through exceptional service in our restaurants," said Arby's President Hala Moddelmog. "Diana has an impressive track record developing strong, effective teams; building a positive, motivating culture; and executing innovative sales and business development programs."

Petrovich-Tao worked at Burger King Corp. from 2003 until earlier this year - as Division Vice President, Mountain States, and, most recently, Vice President, Global Training and Development with responsibility for operational training initiatives in the U.S. and 70 countries.

Prior to her tenure with Burger King, Petrovich-Tao held several senior leadership positions with Mrs. Fields Brands from 2001-03, including responsibility for 3,800 franchise units across seven brands. While serving as a Vice President at Kinkos Inc. from 1998-2001, Petrovich-Tao led the turnaround of 150 underperforming stores in five Midwestern states.

Petrovich-Tao's career also includes service with Taco Bell Corp., Packaging Corporation of America, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Castle & Cooke Foods.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Petrovich-Tao graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration from William Woods College, Fulton, Mo.

About Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc.

Known in the fast food industry for creating unique, premium sandwiches, Arby's has been in the roast beef business since 1964 when the Raffel Brothers first opened an Arby's(R) restaurant under a glowing neon cowboy hat in Boardman, Ohio. Today, headquartered in Atlanta, Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the second largest quick-service sandwich chain in the U.S. with nearly 3,700 restaurants system wide. In addition to its classic, slow-roasted, freshly sliced roast beef and Beef 'n Cheddar sandwiches, Arby's one-of-a-kind menu also includes a deli-style Market Fresh(R) line of sandwiches, toasted subs and salads, Curly Fries, Jamocha shakes and the 2010 introduction of a national Value Menu, starting at $1. Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. is a subsidiary of Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEN). To learn more about Arby's, please visit http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arbys.com&esheet=6532994&lan=en-US&anchor=www.arbys.com&index=1&md5=cd2997d83d8b506ab4925bc2398d4095.

SOURCE: Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc.

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