Ending Soon! Save 33% on All Access

Wendy's Ushers in New Leadership as The Strategy to Propel The Fast Food Giant Into Its Next Growth Phase Continues Learn about the strategic vision behind appointing a seasoned industry leader to steer Wendy's toward future growth in the highly competitive fast-food industry.

By Carl Stoffers

Key Takeaways

  • The former CEO of PepsiCo Inc.'s North American Beverages Division has been appointed as the new president and CEO of The Wendy's Company.
  • Wendy's has a global presence of more than 7,000 restaurants.
  • The company will report its full-year 2023 earnings on February 15.

The Wendy's Company announced the appointment of Kirk Tanner, former CEO of PepsiCo Inc.'s North American Beverages Division, as its new president and CEO, effective February 5. Tanner, with more than 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, also joins Wendy's board.

He succeeds Todd Penegor, who is stepping down after leading Wendy's for more than a decade. Nelson Peltz, chairman of the Wendy's board, praised Tanner's operational leadership and customer-focused approach, expressing confidence in his ability to drive the brand's growth and expansion.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

"We are thrilled to welcome an executive of Kirk's caliber to the Wendy's team," said Peltz, in a statement. "Kirk is a proven operational leader whose customer-centric mindset and broad experience positioning and growing some of the most well-known global brands make him the ideal candidate to lead Wendy's into its next phase of growth and expansion."

The fast-food chain, founded in 1969, operates more than 7,000 restaurants globally and is set to report its full-year 2023 earnings on February 15. Read More: CNBC

Carl Stoffers

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Business Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

TikTok Reportedly Laid Off a 'Large Percentage' of Employees as the App's Fate in the U.S. Remains Unclear

Laid-off TikTok employees were notified Wednesday night through Thursday morning.

Personal Finance

This Investment Bundle Includes a Trading Course and Stock Screener Tool for $150

Approach the stock market with an increased understanding.

Business News

Four Seasons Orlando Responds to Viral TikTok: 'There's Something Here For All Ages'

The video has amassed over 45.4 million views on TikTok.

Growing a Business

5 Strategies to Know As You Scale Your Business

Scaling a service-based company requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply increasing revenue. It requires careful planning, strategic decision-making and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

Growing a Business

The Right Way to Ask Someone for a Million Dollars, According to a Fundraiser Who Does It For a Living

No matter what you're raising money for, Wanda Urbanskia says, the same basic rules apply.