Wendy’s names interim CEO as Kirk Tanner departs for Hershey
Ken Cook joined the company after two decades at United Parcel Service (UPS), where he served as chief financial officer of the US domestic segment
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Wendy’s has announced that president and chief executive Kirk Tanner will leave the fast-food chain on 18 July to take up the same role at the Hershey Company.
The news has sparked a search for a permanent replacement by the board of directors. In the meantime, Ken Cook, chief financial officer of Wendy’s, has been named interim chief executive while remaining in his current role.
Cook joined the company after two decades at United Parcel Service (UPS), where he served as chief financial officer of the US domestic segment.
Art Winkleblack, chairman of the board, said: “Our senior leadership team has established a very clear strategic blueprint for growth and is already beginning to execute on this strategy.
“We are grateful to Ken for accepting the role of interim chief executive and have the utmost confidence in him and the senior leadership team to lead the company and to continue to execute on our growth plan.”
Cook said he looked forward to delivering on the company’s priorities, which include “providing fresh, famous food, delivering an exceptional customer experience, and accelerating global net unit growth”.
Winkleblack added: “We understand Kirk’s decision to return to the consumer-packaged goods industry and wish him well in leading Hershey.”
Tanner said: “It has been a privilege to lead Wendy’s, an iconic brand, and I leave with a sense of gratitude for our employees and franchisees who make the company a truly special place.
“The brand is of the highest quality in the quick service restaurant industry, and I believe there is tremendous growth potential ahead for all Wendy’s stakeholders.”
Wendy’s also announced that Bradley Peltz has been elected to the board of directors, replacing Matthew Peltz, who has resigned to devote more time to other commitments. Bradley Peltz is managing director of Yellow Cab Holdings, a Wendy’s franchisee.
Winkleblack said Bradley Peltz’s “creativity and connection to our customers and franchise community will provide valuable insights to Wendy’s”.
The company is scheduled to report its Q2 results on 8 August.
