Triarc Restaurants Group franchisor of the Arby's, T.J. Cinnabons, and Pasta Connection brands-announced January 18 that Michael T. Welch joined the company as senior vice president of operations. Welch will oversee and provide strategic leadership and direction for franchise management, operations services, training and development, and quality assurance.

"Mike brings invaluable national management experience with more than fifteen years of senior management experience in the QSR industry and an incredibly successful track record to TRG," said Michael Howe, president of Triarc. "He's been involved in every aspect of the QSR business, from operations and new product research and development to training, purchasing, and marketing."

Welch remarked in the announcement that he's "very enthusiastic" about the potential for new unit growth for Arby's.

Most recently, Welch was president of International Fast Food Corporation, a holding company currently developing Burger King and Dominos in Poland. Welch was also a franchisee owner of several Wendy's and was president of the Franchise Advisory Council during that time.

Triarc Restaurant Group, a subsidiary of Triarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY), franchises more than thirty-two hundred single- and co-branded restaurants worldwide. Systemwide sales for 1998 were $2.2 billion.