News

Checkers Drive-In shuffles management team

February 6, 2008

TAMPA, Fla. — Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. has announced the reorganization of its executive management team.

"Organizational changes were carefully made in key areas that will further strengthen the company for the long term and provide the necessary foundation to grow in this highly competitive and changing business environment," said Enrique "Rick" Silva, president and CEO of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. "Over the past year, we worked diligently to assemble a team of extraordinarily seasoned executives from some of the industry's largest brands. Our ability to recruit this quality of talent is a testament to the power and bright future of our brand."

Among the changes were the appointments of:

• Robert "Bob" D. Wright as executive vice president of company and franchise operations, a new position created to consolidate and align restaurant operations systemwide. A nine-year veteran of Wendy's, Wright served in leadership positions including vice president of operations and training integration and president of Wendy's-owned fast-casual concept, Café Express. He has also held leadership positions with Domino's Pizza and was a former Domino's franchisee.
• Todd Lindsey as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Lindsey, who has more than 20 years' experience in the restaurant, retail and hospitality industries, most recently served as chief financial officer of Michaels Stores Inc.'s Specialty Retail Group. Prior to that, he held the position of vice president of finance at both Gaylord Resorts and Hard Rock Cafe International. He also held key positions with Darden Restaurants and TCBY Systems.
• Michael Arrowsmith as senior vice president of development, a position created to assist the company's expansion plans. Arrowsmith brings more than 20 years of development leadership experience in the restaurant industry. Prior to joining Checkers, he served as vice president of franchise development at Gloria Jean's Gourmet Coffee. He also served in executive development positions with Denny's, Shoney's and National Franchise Sales.
• Wendy Harkness as vice president of human resources. Harkness, a licensed attorney who has more than 12 years of experience in human resources, leadership development and people programs, was previously director of employee relations. Prior to joining Checkers, she served in various human resource and legal capacities in the financial and customer relationship management industries and in private legal practice.