Syrus Restaurant Information Services, a leading provider of restaurant technologies and analytics, announced the hiring of Brian Graham as the company’s first chief operating officer. Syrus has experienced tremendous growth over the last two years with national restaurant brands looking to leverage business intelligence to gain a competitive edge. Currently, Syrus serves many nationally recognized brands in the quick serve and fast casual industry, including Wendy’s and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and others, in addition to restaurant franchisees and restaurant supply chain partners. This growth is expected to continue as the restaurant and supply chain industries continue to look for ways to capitalize on information and data to impact the bottom line. Graham will be responsible for developing the operational platform that supports the company’s strategic plan, with an overall focus on business development and execution.
“Brian brings a wealth of experience in helping companies accelerate their growth in rapidly changing industries,” says Jim Karam, president and CEO of Syrus. “His experience in data analytics with world class companies like Battelle will help us grow in this exciting field and provide even greater benefits to our highly valued customer base.”
Graham has more than 20 years of diversified business leadership experience on a worldwide basis. He joins the Syrus leadership team after more than 12 years at Battelle, the world’s largest nonprofit research and development organization, where he held several leadership positions in technology commercialization, international and corporate finance, corporate treasury, strategic acquisition services, and more recently as the vice president of data analytics. During his tenure at Battelle, Graham played a key role in developing an advanced analytics collaboration with major companies in Columbus such as Nationwide, Cardinal Health, L Brands (formerly known as Limited Brands), OhioHealth, AEP, and Huntington Bancshares. Graham also serves as the chairman of the board of Children’s Hunger Alliance.
Graham will be based in the Columbus, Ohio, office and report directly to the CEO.
“What attracted me to Syrus was not only its culture and leadership, but also what they have already done and the potential they have created,” says Brian Graham, chief operating officer of Syrus. “Syrus has built a solid platform that both underpins its unique service delivery model and also provides a significant foundation for unique services and offerings which will translate into new customer insights and drive value for its current and future customers. I am very excited to be a part of the leadership team at Syrus.”
According to Forbes CenturyLink writer Natasha Baker, “Big Data” will allow companies to “derive revenue from data” with the “implementation of machine learning and predictive analytics.” In 2014, “companies will now use this information in practical and profitable ways.” With the addition of Graham, Syrus will extend its leadership in the restaurant industry, including through the use of advanced analytics, to enhance the business operations of client partners.
