News

Popeyes adds Dollywood CEO to board

September 9, 2013

Popeyes’ parent company AFC Enterprises Inc. has added Joel K. Manby to its board of directors.

Manby is president and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation (HFE), an attractions company that includes Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Stone Mountain Park, Newport Aquarium, Adventure Aquarium and Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Theater. He has served in that capacity since 2003.

Under Manby’s leadership, HFE's profitability and customer satisfaction scores have risen significantly, according to a news release. Prior to HFE, Manby spent almost 20 years in the auto industry in general management and marketing roles, primarily at General Motors in the Saturn and Saab divisions.

Manby served as CEO of Saab Cars USA from 1996 to 2002 where he was instrumental in the turnaround of the brand. While at Saturn, he was influential in formulating and executing the brand’s customer-focused philosophy.

“With his 30-years of general management and industry-leading customer service experience, Joel brings a unique perspective to our Board and will be a significant asset to the entire Popeyes leadership team,” said Cheryl Bachelder, AFC Enterprises CEO. “We are extremely pleased to have Joel join our Board and we look forward to his contributions.”

Manby holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Albion College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School

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