AFC Enterprises Inc., the franchisor and operator of Popeyes, has named Andrew G. Skehan as the new chief operating officer of the quick-service chicken brand’s international operations.
Skehan, who is replacing Dave Smith, joins Popeyes after serving as chief operating officer for Wendy’s/Arby’s International from 2009 to 2011. He also was the president of Europe, Africa & Middle East for Quiznos Restaurants.
Skehan has 22 years of international, strategic and leadership experience, including senior operations, marketing and management positions with Churchill Downs, Nabisco and PepsiCo Restaurants International.
"Andrew is an experienced and enthusiastic international leader who is ideally suited to our company's global expansion plans and our commitment to helping our franchise partners succeed," Cheryl Bachelder, AFC Enterprises chief executive, said. "Andrew has hands-on experience building winning teams and restaurants around the globe.”
Before joining PepsiCo, Skehan served as an officer in the U. S. Navy. He received a bachelor of science degree from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Rhode Island.
Atlanta-based Popeyes is the world's second-largest quick-service chicken chain in terms of unit count, with 2,000 restaurants in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands and 25 foreign countries.
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