Quiznos today announced that Clyde Rucker has been named to executive vice president and COO, effective immediately. Prior to this appointment, Rucker served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer and president, Latin America. He will maintain his role as president, Latin America.
“Clyde is an incredible leader who is committed to operations excellence and consistently delivering a gold standard experience in every restaurant,” says Dave Deno, President and CEO, Quiznos. “He knows the importance that great operations and strong franchise relations play in building sales. Clyde is dedicated to our mission of improving franchise owner profitability, so we can realize the full potential of our brand.”
In this important role, Rucker will be responsible for field operations and operations services. In addition, he will also continue to be responsible for the Latin American division, where he and his team have expanded the Quiznos brand with signed and pending agreements in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador and are moving to establish agreements in Mexico.
“Clyde’s appointment is just another example of how we continue to build Quiznos world-class management team under Dave’s leadership,” says Greg Brenneman, Executive Chairman, Quiznos. “Clyde has very deep operating experience and a true heart for franchise owners and franchise owner profitability. He will bring enormous energy, passion, commitment and expertise to the COO role.”
Rucker joined Quiznos in May 2007, as the chief administrative officer of the company. Prior to Joining Quiznos Rucker spent 12 years with Burger King. During a large part of that time, Rucker served as VP for the central region, managing the operations of over 2,000 restaurants covering 14 states, with approximately $2 billion in annual sales. Before joining Burger King, Rucker worked with Arby’s and KFC, where he successfully fulfilled a variety of roles from operations to new channel development.
“I’m convinced, now more than ever, that Quiznos has an incredible opportunity to expand globally as well as to become an even stronger brand and more profitable enterprise for franchise owners,” says Rucker. “I am excited to bring my experience with and commitment to operations excellence and building a positive culture that encourages success to support Dave and the management team in our drive to take Quiznos to the next level.”
Rucker has been well recognized for his professional achievements, including being awarded Corporate Executive of the Year-Summer 2005, Top 100 Blacks in Corporate America, Black Professionals Magazine 2005-2006, and Most Influential-Whos Who in Black South Florida. He is also a member of the 100 Black Men of America and holds a seat on the Board of Trustees for Florida Memorial University, a private, historically Black institution with a culturally diverse student body.
Rucker was educated in Colorado, completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder. He received his master’s of science degree from Central Michigan University.
