As Church's Chicken moves forward with its global expansion strategy, the company has announced the hiring of several industry leaders to its executive, research and development, marketing, and quality assurance teams. These new team members bring to Church's a wealth of experience and knowledge in their respective fields to help guide the company's strategy, commitment to quality, guest satisfaction and continued growth plans.
"We've recruited some of the best, most impressive and seasoned professionals in the quick-service industry who are sure to be an asset to our company, ensuring that our vision is recognized and that our growth is supported," said Mel Deane, CEO, Church's Chicken. "We are committed to offering the best business opportunities for our franchisees and great food and service to our guests. Adding these talented individuals to the Church's family is allowing us to do just that."
The new team members come from several leading QSR brands, including Burger King, Dairy Queen and Popeyes. The line-up includes:
- Will Costello, executive vice president of supply chain, joins Church's from International Dairy Queen where he was the vice president of purchasing. At Dairy Queen, Costello was responsible for more than 5,300 restaurants in the U.S. and several international markets. He brings extensive experience in supply chain management, distribution logistics and purchasing.
- Kirk Waisner, VP of research & development/quality assurance, is responsible for new product development and menu strategy, and also oversees QA functions. He most recently served as VP of quality, supply chain, and commercialization at Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen and offers more than 20 years of experience in foodservice and R&D.
- Andy Bonaparte, VP of advertising, is directing the development and production of all creative, including television commercials, radio commercials, print advertising, outdoor boards, store merchandising materials and packaging. He has built a strong career in chain restaurant advertising, having worked at prominent New York advertising agencies Saatchi & Saatchi and Uniworld as well as Burger King and AOL.
- Malin Benicek, senior director of quality assurance, is responsible for ensuring suppliers produce safe products that consistently meet company specifications, operator requirements and customer expectations. Joining Church's from Wayne Farms, a producer of fresh and cooked poultry where he was director of quality assurance, food safety, and regulatory affairs, Benicek has more than 15 years of experience as a leader in these areas.
- Kevin Houston, senior director of R&D, will be responsible for the development of new and improved products and platforms and brings to the position 14 years of experience in product development. Prior to joining Church's, Houston was the senior director of product innovation at Burger King.
Friedman, Fleischer & Lowe founding partner David Lowe said after the private equity firm took over Church's Chicken that the company will focus on building enterprise value and growth under Deane's leadership.
