Leadership

Potbelly’s CFO departs

Tom Fitzgerald, who has taken a new job, had been with the struggling sandwich chain for a year.
Photograph: Shutterstock

The chief financial officer of Potbelly Sandwich Shop is leaving his post for a senior leadership position at another company, the fast-casual chain announced Tuesday.

Tom Fitzgerald, who has been with the Chicago-based company for a year, will stay in his current role until Dec. 27. He is taking over the chief financial officer post at Planet Fitness, according to the health club chain. Potbelly has begun the search for a new CFO.

“Tom has been a strong contributor to Potbelly over the last year and we wish him continued success in the future,” Potbelly CEO Alan Johnson said in a statement. “Our leadership team remains wholly focused on accelerating our transformation through the recent steps we announced that are helping us adjust and sharpen our brand position, menu offering and overall experience.”

Potbelly reported a traffic decline of 8.3% during Q3. The chain has closed 11 stores this year and has halted company-owned unit growth. It is testing a new prototype and has hired a consulting firm for guidance on its turnaround plan.

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