Boston Market Corporation announced the appointment of George Michel as CEO. Michel, who most recently served as president and CEO of Timothy’s Coffees of the World Inc., assumes the responsibilities from F. Lane Cardwell effective October 4.

“For 25 years, Boston Market has earned a respected place on the kitchen tables of homes around the country,” Michel says. “I look forward to becoming a part of that history and continuing the vision for the new Boston Market.” As part of its anniversary celebration, the restaurant chain will announce the details of a nationwide roll out of upgrades and new menu items designed to significantly enhance the overall guest experience.

The leadership transition accompanies a shift in focus from the development of the vision for the new Boston Market toward careful attention to implementation. Michel’s extensive operations background will ensure effective execution of the nationwide roll out, says T. Scott King, senior managing director of Sun Capital Partners, a leading private investment firm whose affiliate owns Boston Market.

“We appreciate Lane Cardwell’s significant contributions in shaping the new strategy, and wish him well in his future activities. Now we turn our full attention to executing the plan for Boston Market under George Michel’s able leadership,” King says.

With nearly 40 years in the food and restaurant business, Michel most recently served as president and CEO of Timothy’s Coffees of the World Inc., based in Toronto, Canada, which was acquired by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. in November 2009. He previously served as CEO of A&W Restaurants in the U.S. Prior to his appointment at A&W, Michel spent several years overseeing international operations for Burger King Corporation in the Middle East, Asia and Canada, and also served as chief operating officer, Global Markets, of Brinker International. Michel started his career at A&W Restaurants as an hourly kitchen cook while attending the University of Toronto.