Former Cicis Pizza CEO Darin Harris has been named CEO of Jack in the Box Inc., the company said Thursday.
Harris, who since 2018 has been CEO of a holding company for brands that make flexible workspaces, takes over for Lenny Comma, who announced plans to retire late last year. Harris will take over the position on June 15.
David Goebel, currently lead independent director, has been elected non-executive chairman of the board. He will assume that position at the same time Harris takes over Jack in the Box.
Harris has more than 25 years of experience leading various franchised and corporate retail and service businesses. That includes time with Cicis, which he led from 2013 through 2018, as well as leadership roles for Arby’s and Captain D’s. He is also a former franchise operator at Papa John’s and Qdoba Mexican Eats.
Goebel said he brings a “breadth of experience” to the Jack in the Box brand. “Darin is a proven leader with a strong background in franchise organizations, both in leadership positions and as a franchisee himself,” Goebel said in a statement. “I am confident in his ability to lead this organization and continue to elevate the Jack in the Box business for guests, employees and franchisees.”
He takes over a 2,250-unit brand that has seen significant controversy in recent years, as franchisees called for the ouster of Comma last year and filed a lawsuit against the brand. At the same time, the chain had shown signs of life: Same-store sales were up 5.2% this quarter before the coronavirus shutdown kept customers at home.
“Given my extensive background in franchising, brand building and operations, I have been able to observe the potential of this company, and I look forward to leading the organization to its potential,” Harris said in a statement.
Comma, meanwhile, has been CEO and chairman since 2014. He will remain in the job, and on the board, until Harris takes over. He helped the company complete its longtime refranchising initiative, but cuts to marketing and general and administrative costs raised the ire of franchisees.
Goebel said Comma has had “an enormous impact on the company with countless accomplishments, including driving same-store sales growth every year as CEO.”
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.