McDonald’s named a pair of new executives to take over key leadership responsibilities. Kathy Baird was named chief impact officer for McDonald’s USA. She will serve on the company’s Global Impact Leadership Team. Baird has more than 25 years of experience and most recently was chief communications officer for the Washington Post.
The fast-food giant also named Anne Hammer the company’s global chief communications officer. She will also serve on the Global Impact Leadership Team and will report to Jon Banner, McDonald’s global chief impact officer. Hammer comes to McDonald’s from Manulife, where she was global chief communications officer.
Red Robin hired Humera Kassem as its new chief people officer. Kassem previously spent nearly two years as chief people officer at Dave and Buster’s and has held HR leadership roles at JC Penney, Good Smoke Restaurant Group and Jamba. She replaces Meghan Spuler, who left the company in August.
Applebee’s parent Dine Brands hired Joseph Camperlingo as its new chief accounting officer. Camperlingo previously spent seven years with the Walt Disney Co., where he was VP of transaction support and policy. He replaces Allison Hall, who is retiring in January after 18 years at Dine.
Snooze A.M. Eatery promoted two longstanding “Snoozers” into leadership roles. Brianna Borin, who started as a host 17 years ago and worked her way up, now serves as COO. Jeremy Edmonds is now executive VP of people and culture. He joined Snooze five years ago and has been recognized as a champion for diversity and talent development.
Twin Peaks owner Twin Hospitality Group has promoted Lexi Burns to chief people officer. Burns has been with Twin Peaks since 2010 and will now lead HR for both that chain and sister brand Smokey Bones.
The One Group named Nicole Thaung as its new CFO. Thaung had been CFO of Benihana, which One Group acquired last year, since 2018. She replaces Tyler Loy, who is leaving for another opportunity. One Group also owns STK, Kona Grill and other upscale casual concepts.
Scott Redler is shifting from his role as president of Mokas Coffee & Eatery to a position on the board of directors. Redler was the co-founder of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburger. Replacing him as president of Mokas is Jason Ingermanson, the founder and CEO of JRI Hospitality, Mokas’ parent company and a large Freddy’s franchisee.
The London-based hospitality group JKS Restaurants has named Pavan Pardasani to the role of global chief executive officer of the group’s Indian restaurants, which include Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers and Ambassadors Clubhouse. Pardasani will lead the opening of two of the group’s restaurants in the U.S. this fall. The Punjabi restaurant Ambassadors Club is coming to New York City, and the Michelin-starred Gymkhana concept is coming to the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
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