Wendy’s International, Inc. today announced that it has named Dave Near as chief operations officer of the Wendy’s brand, a new position.

Near will be responsible for Wendy’s U.S., Canadian and International restaurant operations – both franchised and company. He will report to interim Chief Executive Officer and President Kerrii Anderson.

Reporting directly to Near will be Wendy’s regional senior vice presidents of operations, as well as the Company’s senior vice president of operations administration/strategic planning. Near, 37, begins his new position on May 1 and will work at the Company’s headquarters in Dublin, Ohio.

Near was President of Wendy’s Franchise Advisory Council (FAC) in 2005 and was re-elected to the position by fellow franchisees in 2006. A majority of FAC members are elected by franchisees and the group works closely with management to continually improve restaurant operations and business results.

“I am pleased that Dave is joining my executive management team. He’s passionate about the business and grew up with the Wendy’s brand,” said Anderson. “He is a superior restaurant operator who has demonstrated an ability to lead people and produce exceptional sales and profits in his restaurants for more than a decade as a Wendy’s franchisee.