Leadership

Whataburger, Rusty Taco and more hire new executives

Executive Summary: Here are the latest leadership shifts in the restaurant industry.
Executive Summary
Staff illustration
Todd Heutnick, Whataburger

Todd Heutinck, Whataburger | All photos courtesy of the brands

Todd Heutinck has joined Whataburger in the role of chief supply chain officer. He worked previously with CKE Restaurants as senior vice president, supply chain management, overseeing operations for 3,000 Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants.

 

Dallas-based Rusty Taco has made three new hires.  Natalie Johnson, a former marketing executive with Raising Cane’s, is the new director of marketing for Rusty Taco. And Roland Wayment, former VP of operations for Rolo and Associates, and Dustin Drago, former director of operations for Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, have been brought on as Franchise Business Consultants.

 

Industry veteran Rev Ciancio is the first chief marketing officer for the New Jersey-based Salad House chain. He will lead marketing, advertising and communications, and has been tasked with maximizing the chain’s tech stack, enhancing the new store opening playbook, supporting franchisees and increasing catering revenue. Ciancio has served as a marketing consultant with Branded Strategic Hospitality.

 

 Scott Ball, FiiZ Drinks

Scott Ball, Fiiz Drinks

Utah-based soda shop concept FiiZ Drinks named Scott Ball president. Ball spent 17 years as a Dunkin' franchisee, overseeing 20 locations and nearly 350 employees. FiiZ, which was founded 10 years ago, now has more than 70 locations serving customizable drinks and snacks.

 

Michelle Sudovich, Boston's Pizza

Michelle Sudovich, Boston's Pizza

Dallas-based Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar has brought on Michelle Sudovich to oversee U.S. franchise growth as director of franchise development. She has worked previously with The Brass Tap, Beef O’ Brady’s and, most recently, Hooters of America. Boston’s has more than 400 units in Canada and is building growth in the U.S.

 

Brian Simowitz, Houston TX Hot Chicken

Brian Simowitz, Houston TX Hot Chicken

Houston TX Hot Chicken hired Brian Simowitz as president. Most recently, Simowitz served as VP of operations for Slim Chickens. He also spent nearly a decade on Applebee’s international team. Houston TX Hot Chicken currently has 20 locations across eight states.

The CFO of Jack in the Box is leaving. Brian Scott told the company that he plans to leave effective Nov. 20 to take a position at a company outside the restaurant industry. Dawn Hooper, the company’s controller, will become interim CFO on Nov. 1 until a permanent replacement is named.

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.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Food

Taco John's travels back to its 'West-Mex' roots to spice up the menu

Behind the Menu: Starting with its new Fiesta sauce and maximizing what’s already stocked in the pantry, the Mexican fast-food chain is driving flavor throughout its platform.

Financing

'The world needs Starbucks:' How Brian Niccol plans to revive the coffee chain

The Starbucks CEO detailed his “Back to Starbucks” plan to 14,000 cheering leaders of the coffee shop giant in Las Vegas this month. And he said the effort is important far beyond the company.

Financing

In the fast-food world, growth is coming from drinks and desserts

The Bottom Line: The highest-growth quick-service chains cannot be found in traditional sectors but among coffee, beverage and dessert brands. What does this say about the restaurant industry?

Trending

More from our partners