News

Bojangles' CEO steps out, interim CEO steps in

March 6, 2018

Bojangles' has named company director James "Randy" Kibler as interim president and CEO following the resignation of Clifton Rutledge for personal reasons. The company board is beginning a search for a permanent brand leader, a news release said. 

Kibler has been a director at the brand for nearly seven years, and served as a director and nonexecutive chairman from February 2014 to June 2016 . 

"We appreciate Randy stepping into these roles on a temporary basis," director and nonexecutive chairman William Kussell said in the release. "The board is fully confident in his ability to lead the Bojangles' team until we can complete the process of identifying a suitable replacement. Randy possesses extensive management experience in the casual dining and quick-service restaurant sectors, franchisee expertise, and a deep understanding of operations."

Rutledge said he has opted to step down after more than four years as CEO in order to spend more time with family. 

"I have enjoyed being a part of growing the brand's footprint throughout the Southeast, and also the development of the talented teams both at the support center and in the field," the 40-year industry veteran said. "I am confident the team at Bojangles' will carry forward this great brand into the future, and I look forward to watching its growth, just from a different seat."

Bojangles' has more than 740 restaurants system-wide; 316 of them company-operated.