IHOP has made what the family dining chain described as two key additions to its management team, hiring Michael Kaufman as VP of strategy and business analytics and Jacob Barden as VP of development.
Both will report directly to IHOP President Jay Johns.
“Both Jacob and Michael have proven track records of success and a wealth of category knowledge, and we’re thrilled to welcome them both to the team,” Johns said in a statement. “With new innovative endeavors, a strong development strategy and the expansion of our menu beyond breakfast, we are bringing in key players with a vision for the future.”
Michael Kaufman
Kaufman joined the Dine Brands Global-owned brand from L.E.K. Consulting, where he analyzed consumer trends and developed strategies for food and beverage companies. He spent nine years with L.E.K.
Jacob Barden
Barden has spent 15 years in the hospitality business, most recently with Burger King, where he focused on franchise development and financing.
At IHOP, he is responsible for all aspects of development, which the brand is revving up with a number of new prototypes and formats, including a fast-casual spinoff called Flip’d. Johns has identified a resumption of IHOP’s expansion as a key part of the brand’s near-term strategy.
The 62-year-old pancake specialist is the franchisor of 1,747 restaurants worldwide.
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