Church’s Chicken has named Edward Williams vice president of company operations, one of several personnel changes made by the quick-service chain’s new chief executive Jim Hyatt.
In the newly created position, Williams will report to Jim Bowie, Church’s president for U.S. operations. Williams most recently held the same position at Burger King Corp.
Hyatt also named Edward Brett executive vice president and chief people officer.
Brett served as a consultant for Church’s last year, and before joining the company was executive vice president of human resources and community affairs for Macy’s Inc. Central Division, based in Atlanta. He reports directly to Hyatt.
In addition, Zack Kollias has been promoted to executive vice president of international operations, reporting directly to Hyatt. Kollias joined Church’s in 2005, and since 2006 has been in charge of Church’s Chicken and Texas Chicken franchises in 21 countries, responsible for operations, restaurant development, purchasing, training, marketing and new product development.
Church’s currently has 442 franchised units abroad.
Marcus Wasdin also has been promoted to vice president of information systems and learning technology, reporting to chief financial officer Dusty Profumo.
“As we move forward to strengthen our brand globally and relentlessly work on improving restaurant operations and profitability for all our stakeholders, it’s important to continue to bring the right mix of experience, strategic operations, foresight and drive to our team,” Hyatt said in a press release.
Under his leadership, the 1,700-unit chain has launched a “You Bring it Home” marketing platform that included advertisements promoting Church’s chicken as a home meal replacement solution and a national sweepstakes tied to the film “Joyful Noise” with Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton.
Church’s Chicken is based in Atlanta.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @foodwriterdiary