SALT LAKE CITY Mrs. Fields Original Cookies Inc. said Tuesday that it has created co-chief executive positions to oversee its namesake cookie and TCBY yogurt brands.
Michael Ward, who had been interim chief executive, takes on the CEO position full time and shares responsibilities with John Lauck, who had been president of the Mrs. Fields division since 2007. The new appointments began immediately.
The executive changes come about a month after Mrs. Fields emerged from bankruptcy after gaining court approval for its prepackaged reorganization plan.
In addition to his new role, Lauck will retain his previous responsibilities as president of Mrs. Fields, including oversight of the cookie concept's franchising, gifting, branded retail, and licensing businesses, the TCBY business unit, new product development, and new product marketing.
Ward will retain his role as chief legal officer and secretary and continue to oversee international operations, purchasing, franchisee training, human resources, retail customer service and risk management.
The company’s board also appointed Greg Barber, president of TCBY, to the additional role of chief financial officer.
Mrs. Fields franchises and licenses more than 1,200 locations for its two brands in the United States and in 22 foreign countries.