Blaze Pizza announced Monday the promotion of Mandy Shaw to president and chief executive officer. Shaw has been with Los Angeles-based Blaze Pizza since 2018 as its chief financial officer, and has also served as interim CEO since August 2019.

“Mandy is stepping into the CEO role with a unique understanding of the brand,” Blaze Pizza co-founder Rick Wetzel said in a statement. “Since joining just under two years ago, she has demonstrated a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, brand vision and operational expertise that make her the perfect fit to lead this company.”

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Mandy takes over as Blaze is showing significant momentum due to recent product launches, including new specialty crusts and a clean-ingredient 14-inch large pizza, garnering national media attention. Blaze Pizza currently operates 340 restaurants across 41 states and 6six countries.

“I am thrilled to be stepping into this new role with Blaze and I am excited to hit the ground running,” Shaw said. “This company was built on partnering with exceptional franchisees to provide world-class guest experiences, and I look forward to helping Blaze continue to deliver on that promise.”

Blaze Pizza gave Shaw credit for driving growth, fostering strong relationships with franchisees and spearheading the company’s focus on digital innovation, technology, and systems. A seasoned executive, Shaw previously worked in a number of roles at Bloomin’ Brands for over 12 years, including serving as chief information officer and chief accounting officer before making her move to Los Angeles to join Blaze.

Shaw was the CFO of Bloomin’s international division (parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s, and Carrabba’s) and chief accounting officer during its transition to a private company and through its subsequent IPO.

Mizes announced his retirement in August after six years with the company. He joined in 2013 as COO before being promoted two years ago.