Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has named Caren Prince as chief financial officer, the company said Wednesday.
The Charlotte, N.C.-based casual-dining brand said Prince, who formerly held executive roles at both Krispy Kreme and Mars Inc., succeeds now-retired Firebirds CFO Christopher Olson.
“Caren brings a brilliant and unique perspective to Firebirds, stemming from her extensive experience leading financial strategy for iconic consumer brands, both in the states and abroad,” said Steve Kislow, Firebirds CEO and president, in a statement. “We appreciate Chris Olson’s numerous contributions to Firebirds over the past several years and his outstanding leadership during this transition. We wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement."
Prince spent 20 years with Mars Inc., where she held various leadership roles in the United Kingdom before moving to the Untied States with the organization, ultimately serving as CFO of the concept’s retail group, where she oversaw flagship M&Ms World stores, My M&MS e-commerce and business-to-business operations. Most recently, Prince served as CFO of Charlotte-based Krispy Kreme.
Firebirds was acquired in March by New York-based investment firm Garnett Station Partners LLC.
Prince said: “I am excited to join Firebirds during this pivotal expansion phase, and I look forward to collaborating with the entire leadership team to continue building upon the remarkable foundations they have worked tirelessly to achieve. Together, we’ll expand the distinctive Firebirds experience, while maintaining the focus on the exceptional people who truly embody the heart and soul of the brand's success."
Firebirds, founded in 2000, has 58 restaurants in 20 states.
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