News

Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s brands name new international boss

July 17, 2014

CKE Restaurants, parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has announced the promotion of Ned Lyerly to president of its international division.

"Demonstrating equal parts diplomacy, business savvy and sheer determination, Ned personifies our company’s commitment to our franchise partners and the growth of our system," CEO Andrew F. Puzder said in a news release. "Under Ned’s leadership, the international division has doubled in the past five years and, for the past three years, 63 percent of our new restaurant development has occurred in international markets. The elevation of Ned to this new position further demonstrates our commitment to the international side of our business."

This past year, Lyerly led his team to grow the company’s international portfolio by 100 units and the company recently announced its 600th international restaurant location. Now operating in 31 countries, CKE’s international division is 17 percent of the CKE system and is expected to represent more than 25 percent of the system by 2017.

Lyerly has more than 30 years with the company, the release said. Prior to his current role, Lyerly was CKE’s executive vice president of international. He has also held executive roles at CKE in global franchise development, international finance and marketing, and financial planning and analysis.

Lyerly is a certified franchise executive and currently serves as a member of the International Franchise Association’s International Leadership Council. Lyerly received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.