Wendy’s New CEO to Freshen Marketing Efforts
Wendy’s new CEO is planning to ramp up marketing efforts to make the QSR more vibrant and attractive to customers, as well as shareholders.
Wendy’s International, Inc., earlier this week named Kerrii B. Anderson, as interim CEO and company president. She replaces former CEO and Chairman Jack Schuessler, who retired after more than 30 years with the company.
Wendy’s said it will work to jazz up its marketing to keep pace with competitors to boost business, the company said.
“While there’s no quick fix, we intend to regain positive momentum by improving our restaurant operations, driving sales by launching new innovative products our consumers want and focusing on more effective marketing,” according to a company statement.
Anderson, 48, has worked as Wendy’s executive VP and CFO since 2000, managing the company’s accounting, finance, treasury, investor relations, risk management and internal audit functions.
In addition, she will continue to work with Wendy’s franchise advisory committee and the company’s national advertising program.
An executive search is underway to find a new CEO, the company said. In a move to improve best practices, Wendy’s has separated the role of CEO and chairman. The company’s board of directors named long-time board member James V. Pickett, 64, as its chairman, also effective this week.
Schuessler, 55, joined Wendy’s in 1976, and held a number of leadership positions within the company. He was promoted to chairman and CEO in 2000. Schuessler will work as a consultant for the company over the next two years.
