The Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) announced Hala Moddelmog will serve as interim chief executive officer in light of the recent passing of Fritzi Woods.
As former president of Arby’s and Church’s, and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Moddelmog brings extensive leadership experience and deep knowledge of the foodservice industry and non-profit world to the WFF. With 18 years of experience, she is a multi-dimensional leader who excels in strategic planning, brand development, and marketing. Her ability to form strategic alliances and public-private partnerships in industry and non-profit is a powerful complement to her business acumen.
Moddelmog earned a master’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s in English from Georgia Southern University. She has served on multiple boards: public, private, advisory, and non-profit. She is a member of Women Corporate Directors, C200, and the International Women’s Forum.
"With Hala’s rich experience in our industry and passion for the mission of the WFF, she is the perfect leader to guide the Women’s Foodservice Forum during this time of transition. We are grateful that Hala is willing to serve WFF in this critical leadership role,” says Laurie Burns, WFF chair and Darden Restaurants senior vice president, Specialty Restaurant Group Strategic Platform & Development.
The WFF also announced Roz Mallet will lead the search committee for a permanent successor. Mallet, CEO of PhaseNext Hospitality (PNH) and immediate past chair of the National Restaurant Association, is a seasoned leader with diverse experience in transition planning, human capital development and franchise operations. She will lead the committee of leaders from the WFF board of directors and the foodservice industry at large.
Mallet is a co-founder of PhaseNext Hospitality, a multi-brand franchise operating company. PNH is a franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings, Smashburger, and Corner Bakery Café. Roz’s previous roles include president and interim CEO of Caribou Coffee. She also held senior executive roles with la Madeleine, TGI Friday’s, and the Carlson Companies, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Her comprehensive general management experience includes overseeing all functional areas of an organization, with an emphasis on human resources, operations, and financial analysis.
Mallet serves on multiple boards including the National Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation, Northcott Hospitality, and Share Our Strength.
“As Roz leads the search for our next CEO, we are confident that with her guidance we will identify and engage the ideal leader to continue to deliver on our mission of advancing women leaders,” says Anna Mason, general manager and vice president of operations for the WFF. “In the interim, Hala will provide strong leadership and direction as we accelerate our strategic trajectory.
