Arby’s, under the leadership of president and chief exec Doug Benham since January, has announced its new executive team.
“The executive team, comprised of industry veterans with proven results, brings the kind of experience and focus to help Arby’s achieve its aggressive short- and long-term brand goals,” Benham said in a statement. “This team has expertise in product innovation, franchise system management and unit growth strategies to make us more convenient to our customers. The expansions to the Market Fresh line of sandwiches, salads and wraps introduced this year are indicative of the kind of forward-thinking this team brings to the Arby’s brand.”
Leading restaurant growth and franchise system management will be Jordan Krolick, senior vice president of business development. Krolick, who has experience with McDonald’s in both new venture development and mergers and acquisitions, will work closely with Arby’s existing franchisees on new unit expansion and also will focus on bringing new franchisees into the Arby’s system. Todd Weyhrich, CPA, senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer, will lead Arby’s financial team. Most recently with Sports Authority, Weyhrich has more than 20 years of retail and financial management expertise, including a breadth of responsibilities in the financial planning and operations functions.
The aggressive new menu and product development initiatives will be led by Jeff Blackmun, vice president of product development, who returns to the Arby’s system in this new senior-level position after working briefly with Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp. Blackmun and his team will work closely with Keith Gordon, vice president of brand development, who came to the Arby’s system in 2001 from Coca-Cola. Gordon will oversee the strategic positioning for the portfolio of Arby’s LLC brands as well as international and domestic restaurant marketing.
Mike Welch, senior vice president of operations, with experience from Wendy’s and Checkers, oversees the Arby’s system restaurant operations. Welch is responsible for directing the operating needs of the chain’s franchisees and their restaurants, including training and operations services. Curtis Gimson, senior vice president and general counsel, has been with Arby’s parent company and affiliates for the past 20 years and will continue to serve as Arby’s chief legal counsel. His responsibilities expanded this year to include the human resources and audit departments.
Debbie Pike, president and chief marketing officer for AFA Service Corporation, works closely with Benham’s executive team in leading the strategic positioning of Arby’s national marketing programs as well as the development of the associated advertising and merchandising that support the Arby’s brand. Pike has been in the Arby’s system for more than 20 years, most recently as senior vice president of marketing for RTM, Arby’s largest franchisee.
