Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. promoted several executives yesterday following the completion of the merger between Triarc Companies Inc. and Wendy’s, and the formation of Wendy’s/Arby’s Group Inc. (NYSE: WEN – News).
According to Wendy’s/Arby’s Group’s President and CEO Roland Smith, “This is an outstanding group of professionals with a vast knowledge of the fast food industry and a long, proven history with Arby’s. I am confident in their ability to continue to lead the Arby’s brand as one of the most unique and innovative quick service restaurant chains in the industry.”
Tom Garrett became Arby’s President and CEO. Garrett has served as the President and COO of Arby’s since June 2006 and executive vice president and COO of Triarc since September 1, 2007. Garrett was appointed Arby’s COO in July 2005 following Triarc’s acquisition of the RTM Restaurant Group (RTM), Arby’s then largest franchisee. Prior, he was the President of RTM, where he held various leadership positions. Garrett joined Arby’s more than 28 years ago.
Michael Lippert was promoted to COO. He has served as senior vice president of operations for the brand since July 2005. Lippert joined Arby’s in 1993 as director of operations for RTM. Since then, he has held positions of increasing responsibility including vice president of operations for RTM’s Atlantic Coast Region followed by senior vice president of operations for RTM’s South Region.
John Dasis was promoted to CFO. Dasis started his Arby’s career in 1986 as a staff accountant for RTM’s South Region. In 1997, he was named a corporate controller. For the past 11 years, Dasis has held various financial leadership positions, including region controller, vice president region controller and most recently, vice president operations controller.
Michael Abt was promoted to Senior Vice President of Company Operations. Most recently, he was President of Arby’s South Region. Abt was hired by RTM in 1993 as an area supervisor in Atlanta and was promoted to director of operations for this same market two years later. In 1997, he held the position of vice president of operations in Florida following RTM’s acquisition of 354 newly acquired Arby’s restaurants.