Staffing

Qdoba taps former CKE exec as CDO

Qdoba has named Jim Sullivan, a former CKE exec, as chief development officer to lead market planning, site selection, real estate negotiations and franchise sales. Provided

June 7, 2021

Qdoba has named Jim Sullivan, a former CKE Restaurant Holdings exec, as chief development officer to lead market planning, site selection, real estate negotiations and franchise sales, according to a company press release.

"Jim brings a unique perspective and strong leadership approach, backed by a proven track record of successfully accelerating franchise growth for some of the nation's leading restaurant concepts," Qdoba CEO Keith Guilbault said in the release. "His expertise and years of experience in growing brands similar to ours in size and scale will serve us well in connecting with new franchise partners, expanding our nationwide footprint, and reaching new heights as a company."

Prior to joining Qdoba, Sullivan held leadership positions at CKE Restaurant Holdings, the parent company to Carl's Jr, Hardee's, Green Burrito and Red Burrito Concepts, including executive vice president of domestic development and chief development officer. There, he was responsible for all domestic development, real estate and construction activities such as design, restaurant maintenance, real estate, market planning, asset management, franchise sales strategies and compliance. Previously, he served in multiple leadership positions, including chief development officer of Friendly's Ice Cream Corporation and was the director of franchise sales, marketing and real estate at American Hospitality Concepts.

Qdoba has more than 740 locations in the U.S. and Canada.