Blaze Pizza promoted its chief financial officer to president and CEO, the company announced Monday.
Mandy Shaw, who has been with the company since 2018 and has served as interim CEO since August, previously worked for a dozen years with Bloomin’ Brands.
Shaw’s move into the top post at the fast-growing fast-casual pizza chain follows the August retirement of CEO Jim Mizes.
“Mandy is stepping into the CEO role with a unique understanding of the brand,” Blaze Pizza co-founder Rick Wetzel said in a statement. “Since joining just under two years ago, she has demonstrated a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, brand vision and operational expertise that make her the perfect fit to lead this company.”
Pasadena, Calif.-based Blaze Pizza currently operates 340 units in 41 states and six countries and counts as investors big names such as basketball star LeBron James, TV personality Maria Shriver and Boston Red Sox co-owner Tom Werner.
From 2013 to last year, annual U.S. sales at the customizable, quick-cook pizza chain have grown from $6 million to more than $300 million, with sales climbing more than 20% last year, according to RB sister company Technomic.
Shaw deserves credit for driving growth, fostering strong franchisee relationships and championing the brand’s focus on digital innovation, technology and systems, according to a company statement.
“I am thrilled to be stepping into this new role with Blaze and I am excited to hit the ground running,” Shaw said. “This company was built on partnering with exceptional franchisees to provide world-class guest experiences, and I look forward to helping Blaze continue to deliver on that promise.”
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