Dan T. Cathy, president and COO of Chick-fil-A, Inc., is proud to announce the promotion of each member of the company’s executive committee from senior vice president to executive vice president, effective immediately.

Donald “Bubba” Cathy, Perry Ragsdale, Steve Robinson, James “Buck” McCabe, and Tim Tassopoulos received the new title in recognition of the leadership, wisdom, and guidance that they have given the restaurant chain as a team over the years.

“These leaders have assumed broad responsibility for this business in a way that transcends their own functional business areas,” Cathy says. “They have interacted and led our organization in a very cooperative and collaborative way. This promotion aligns their title with the scope of influence they have over the breadth of the Chick-fil-A business.”

The executive vice president title has only been used twice before in the history of the company—first with Jimmy Collins before he became president of Chick-fil-A in 1988.

Dan Cathy also held the title until 2001, when he became president. This promotion marks the first time more than one member of the executive committee has earned the title.

In addition to recognizing the executive committee’s leadership, the new title also acknowledges each member’s commitment to Chick-fil-A as it has grown exponentially over the years in both size and complexity. Under their leadership, the restaurant chain marked a 44th consecutive year of sales growth, with sales exceeding $4 billion in 2011.

Chick-fil-A also opened 92 new restaurants last year and plans to open more than 90 restaurants in 2012.

Chick-fil-A Executive Committee Profiles

Perry Ragsdale: executive vice president, real estate and design and construction of Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Perry Ragsdale is responsible for the selection of locations and the design and construction of Chick-fil-A restaurants. Ragsdale has overseen the evolution of design and construction of Chick-fil-A restaurants during a time of rapid growth, with new restaurants requiring a more efficient use of space and a strong emphasis on appearance. He joined the company in 1970 as an architectural draftsman.

Steve Robinson: executive vice president, marketing and chief marketing officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Steve Robinson is responsible for the chain's marketing, advertising, and brand and menu development strategies for all restaurant concepts. Robinson joined Chick-fil-A in January 1981 as director of marketing.

Under his leadership, the famous “Eat More Chicken” Cow campaign was launched, receiving numerous accolades over the last 17 years.

Donald “Bubba” Cathy: executive vice president, Chick-fil-A, Inc. and president of Dwarf House, Inc.

Donald "Bubba" Cathy is responsible for the administration of the Dwarf House and Truett's Grill concepts, which operate 14 locations in metro Atlanta.

Cathy also oversees WinShape Homes, long-term foster homes, WinShape Wilderness, a team building program, and WinShape Retreat, a marriage enrichment center. He joined the Chick-fil-A, Inc. corporate office staff in January of 1976 as a construction apprentice.

James “Buck” McCabe: executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer of Chick-fil-A, Inc.

James "Buck" McCabe is responsible for accounting, finance, treasury, taxation, employee benefits, risk management, information technology, corporate administration, legal, and Cathy family financial planning.

McCabe began his career with the company in 1978 as corporate accounting manager. He was honored in 2008 by Atlanta Business Chronicle by being named CFO of the Year.

Tim Tassopoulos: executive vice president, operations of Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Tim Tassopoulos is responsible for coordinating the activities of field operations, operation services, training and development, human resources, and purchasing and distribution. When Chick-fil-A initiated the shift from mall restaurant concepts to stand-alone street concepts, Tassopoulos led the development responsibilities.

He began his career at Chick-fil-A in 1977 as a restaurant team member and joined the home office staff as a business consultant in 1983.