Leadership

Magnolia Bakery has a new CEO and other restaurant executive moves

Executive Summary: Here are the latest leadership changes in the restaurant industry.
Illustration by Restaurant Business staff.

Nathan Louer was named CEO of Magnolia Bakery, stepping into the position to lead the brand’s expansion through franchising and growth across retail, CPG and ecommerce. He previously served as chief brand officer at Jamba. Former CEO Bobbie Lloyd remains as chief baking officer and will take on the additional role of chief brand officer. The iconic bakery has evolved from a West Village neighborhood destination into a global brand famous for its cupcakes and banana pudding.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers named Todd Paladini its new chief information officer. He is the first person to have the newly created role at the burger chain. Paladini has more than two decades of IT leadership experience and has led IT for companies like Café Rio Mexican Grill and Cinemark.

Todd Paladini

Todd Paladini. |Photo courtesy of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

HTeaO has named Chris Phillips chief financial officer. Phillips has held leadership roles with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen during that brand’s acquisition by Restaurant Brands International, and he led finance at Darden Restaurants.

Nathan Hunstable has been promoted to the role of vice president, information technology and chief information officer for CEC Entertainment LLC, effective Feb. 2. Hunstable was previously chief information and security officer and vice president of infrastructure, where he oversaw cybersecurity, network operations and IT infrastructure. In the VP and CIO roles, he succeeds Jay Spears, who stepped down after five years.

Allison DeRoberts is joining the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance as director of government relations & public affairs. She served previously as director of public affairs for The Wendy’s Company, and her background includes government affairs leadership roles at Inspire Brands and Cardinal Health.

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