News

Arby's creates chief people officer position

October 24, 2014

Arby's Restaurant Group has promoted Melissa Strait, SVP, Human Resources and Leadership Development, to chief people officer, a newly created position reporting to CEO Paul Brown.

According to a news release, Strait will be responsible for leading the strategy, development and execution of key organizational effectiveness and talent management programs across the company. She has been with Arby's since 1984, when she started as a team member working in an Arby's restaurant in her home state of Michigan.

"Melissa has been an instrumental advisor during my first year and a half as CEO," Brown said in the release. "She's a great ambassador of our people and culture and this new position is a direct reflection of the importance we place on our team members. The fact that she began as an entry level restaurant team member and worked hard to rise to the top of the organization is a testament to the career opportunities we at Arby's strive to provide."

Strait graduated from Hope College with a Bachelor's of Arts degree in psychology. In 1995, she became director of training and then her career quickly progressed as she worked for both Arby's franchisees and eventually the franchisor. Strait was named VP of Training and Development in 2000 before later becoming SVP of Human Resources and Leadership Development.

Strait will assume the role of CPO effective immediately.