SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ron Stilwell, president and chief executive officer of Eatza Pizza, announced he is resigning from the 28-unit chain. According to a news release, Stilwell is starting his own franchise consulting business, FranchiseExec.net.
Steve Belden, formerly the company's vice president of operations, has been named president and chief operating officer.
Stilwell said the decision to leave the company "was a difficult one, but the opportunity to branch out on my own and start my own consulting company was something I have wanted to do for a long time. I will continue my relationship with Eatza Pizza as the company will be one of my first clients."
Stilwell said he and Belden have known each other for 20 years and called him "my right hand since he assumed the position of vice president of operations."
Prior to joining Eatza Pizza last year, Belden was president of Debco Foods, the operating partner in a multistore Sonic Drive-in franchise. Previously, he held a number of key management positions with major restaurant operators, including area director for Wendy's and vice president and chief operating officer for a Rally's Hamburgers franchisee.
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