Subway appoints Jonathan Fitzpatrick as CEO

Subway has appointed Jonathan Fitzpatrick as chief executive, following a global search.

He will take up the role on 28 July, working with interim chief executive Carrie Walsh to oversee the transition.

Fitzpatrick previously led Driven Brands, where he served as president and chief executive. During his tenure, he oversaw 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth.

He has more than 20 years of experience in franchising and quick-service restaurants, including senior leadership roles at Burger King. 

As executive vice president and chief brand and operations officer, Fitzpatrick led what the company described as the “single largest menu overhaul in the brand’s history”, alongside modernising operations and the customer experience.

The news comes after the group launched its new global restaurant design, ‘Fresh Forward 2.0’. 

The new design adds brand elements, including bold wall graphics, localised messages and signage, elevated lighting, and warmer wood tones, as well as better support of Subway’s growing digital sales channels. 

Fitzpatrick said: “I’m honoured to lead this iconic brand that has been serving guests around the world for 60 years.

“Subway has a solid foundation built on decades of providing freshly made, better-for-you options with value and convenience. I’m excited by the opportunity to shape the future of the company, working alongside our valued franchisees and employees to help drive increased sales and franchisee profitability and grow our brand around the world.”