Culver's names a new CEO

culvers exterior

The Culver’s burger and frozen custard chain has named CFO Joseph Koss as its new CEO and president, effective Jan. 1.

Koss, a 19-year veteran of the quick-service chain, fills the vacancy left by the death last month of Phil Keiser. Co-founder and chairman Craig Culver is serving as CEO until Koss assumes the post.

Koss will be the second person from outside the Culver family to head the chain, after Keiser. Craig Culver retired from the job in mid-2015.

A graduate of Marquette University, Koss joined Culver’s in 1997 as controller. He has also overseen the franchisor’s business information and accounting systems.

“I know Culver's will continue to stay strong with the roadmap Phil left us that contains our core values and guiding principles," Koss said in a statement.

Jeff Bonner, currently SVP, will step up to COO on Jan. 1.

Culver’s consists of nearly 600 restaurants in 24 sales, which generate systemwide sales of $1.2 billion. Virtually all of the restaurants are franchised.

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