Staffing
Krystal owner promotes Ryan Russell to chief of staff
October 27, 2025
SPB Hospitality, the owner of Krystal, has promoted Ryan Russell to chief of staff.
He will report to Chairman and CEO G.J. Hart and work alongside the leadership team, according to a press release.
"Ryan brings a unique combination of operational expertise and a deep commitment to our team members and guests," Hart said in the release. "He has a proven track record of driving performance across SPB's restaurant portfolio while building strong partnerships with our support team, operators and communities. In his new role as chief of staff, Ryan will continue to oversee PR and corporate communications while expanding his focus on internal communications, culture and cross-brand alignment, ensuring our restaurants and teams are empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence every day."
Russell joined the brand in 2021 and advanced through multiple roles, most recently as senior director of communications and marketing.
"My career with SPB has been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to a company that prioritizes people and purpose," Russell said in the release. "I look forward to partnering with our leadership team to advance our strategic priorities and continue building programs that make our brands some of the best in the industry."
SPB Hospitality offers a diverse portfolio of restaurants across 25 states.
