Shake Shack named Katherine Fogertey chief financial officer Wednesday, filling the role that was vacated by Tara Comonte last month.
Fogertey comes to the fast-casual burger brand after more than 15 years at Goldman Sachs, where she served as lead analyst covering the restaurant sector.
At Shake Shack, she will be responsible for leading all of the brand’s financial operations, including accounting and control, financial planning and analysis, operations finance, investor relations and external reporting, the company said in a statement.
“She brings extensive financial experience, knowledge of our brand and deep industry and capital markets insights,” CEO Randy Garutti said in a press release. “I know Katie will be a natural fit in our Shake Shack culture, and I’m looking forward to working with her and our entire team as our business enters a new phase of exciting growth ahead.”
Comonte had been with Shake Shack since 2017. Two years later, she was given the additional title of president. She left the chain to become CEO of technology company TMRW Life Sciences.
Garutti has previously said he did not intend to fill the president role at this time.
New York City-based Shake Shack, hard hit by the pandemic because of its many urban locations, has aggressive growth plans this year even though some of its stores continue to struggle. It currently has about 330 restaurants in 32 states, as well as 100 international units.
Fogertey also has experience in derivatives and exchange traded funds.
“I have always admired the incredible brand Shake Shack has built and maintained, while accelerating its expansion and growth across the globe,” she said in a statement. “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the team at such a pivotal time in the company’s journey.”
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