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Arby's turnaround plan bolstered by new COO hire

December 2, 2010

Arby's Restaurant Group Inc., a subsidiary of Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc., has tapped a new chief operating officer to help with its aggressive turnaround plans.

Diana Petrovich-Tao brings years of restaurant operations and franchise support experience to the COO role. Her former stints have included Burger King Corp. and Mrs. Fields Brands, among others.

She served as division vice president, Mountain States, and vice president, global training and development, at BKC from 2003 until earlier this year.

Prior to her Burger King tenure, Petrovich-Tao held several senior leadership positions with Mrs. Fields, and served as vice president of Kinkos Inc. She has also worked with Taco Bell Corp., Packaging Corporation of America, Coca-Cola Enterprises and Castle & Cooke Foods.

"This appointment is a key component of our turnaround plan, as we work to grow sales and profits by enhancing the Arby's customer experience through exceptional service in our restaurants," said Arby's president Hala Moddelmog. "Diana has an impressive track record developing strong, effective teams; building a positive, motivating culture; and executing innovative sales and business development programs."

Born and raised in St. Louis, Petrovich-Tao graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from William Woods College, in Fulton, Mo.