Long John Silver’s, the nation’s largest quick-service seafood chain, has named James O’Reilly as chief executive officer. O’Reilly brings to the role more than 20 years of food service leadership, including, most recently, chief brand officer for Sonic Drive-In.

Additionally, O’Reilly has served in a variety of domestic and international leadership positions for many prominent brands including Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Yum! Brands, and Procter and Gamble. He earned an MBA from York University and B.S. in Biochemistry from McMaster University.

“I am very pleased that James has accepted the position of CEO for Long John Silver’s,” says Rick Duffy, chairman of the board for LJS Partner, LLC. “James brings the right combination of brand building, system leadership, and innovation to the LJS system. I am confident that his leadership of the brand will poise the company for growth in the years ahead.”

O’Reilly added, “I’m pleased to join the team at Long John Silver’s. It’s an iconic brand, and I look forward to drawing upon my knowledge of the quick-service industry to give consumers more reasons to love Long John Silver’s.”