The parent of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s burger chains has named Jason Marker, the former president of KFC’s domestic operations, to succeed Andy Puzder as CEO.
Puzder, who has been CEO of CKE Restaurants for about 17 years, said he had asked the company to start thinking about a succession plan a year ago.
The succession had been in doubt since Puzder withdrew from contention for the secretary of labor’s job in the Trump administration. Before Puzder dropped out of contention, CKE said he would retain his post until confirmation and then resign. It did not indicate at the time that he would exit the job in any case.
Marker had served as president of KFC U.S. since 2000. His successor in that post, former subordinate Kevin Hochman, was named earlier today by Yum Brands, the chicken chain’s parent.
The change in leadership of CKE will come next month, the company said.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.