News

Sonic longtime CEO retires, San Pedro to fill role after Inspire acquisition

November 7, 2018

There's a changing of the guard at Sonic. Chairman and CEO Cliff Hudson announced that he is retiring when the company's proposed acquisition by Inspire Brands goes through next month, according to a news release. Sonic President Claudia San Pedro will take his place.

Hudson will assist in the transition by serving as senior advisor to the company until March 2019. However, after the Inspire transaction closes San Pedro will report to Inspire CEO Paul Brown and will serve as part of the Inspire executive team.

Hudson is a 34-year veteran of Sonic, joining as assistant general counsel in 1984. Appointed as CEO in 1995, Hudson led the brand's growth from nearly 1,500 drive-ins in 27 states with systemwide sales of $905 million to 3,600 drive-ins in 45 states and systemwide sales of $4.5 billion. 

Only the brand's founder, Troy Smith Sr., led the company for a longer period of time during his stint from 1953-1983. During Hudson's leadership tenure, the brand grew its name as a champion for diversity and inclusion as well as a strong supporter of public education and community organizations across the state and nation.

"Only two men, Troy Smith and Cliff Hudson, have led Sonic through most of its 65 years," Troy Smith's daughter, Leslie Smith Baugh, said in the release. "My dad bought a small, walk-up root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Out of that Sonic was born with its canopies, speakers, carhops and, at the center of it all, franchisees.

"Cliff, while maintaining the values and traditions, took Sonic to a place of national recognition in the restaurant world. Both men were devoted to Sonic and it took both of them for the company to be the success it is today. My dad would want me to thank Cliff for his years of service in making Sonic America's Drive-In. He would also want me to acknowledge the kind, thoughtful relationship he and his wife, Leslie, have had with our family."

Hudson said he was both proud of the company and happy to see San Pedro step into the top job.

"I am delighted that Inspire has selected Claudia to continue as president,"  Hudson said in the release. "She has shown terrific leadership and deep strategic insight throughout her roles at the company, and I'm confident that she is the right person to lead Sonic going forward. I look forward to supporting Claudia and the team through the transition and watching Sonic succeed for many years to come."

San Pedro was named president in January 2018, and has served in various leadership roles at the company throughout her 12-year tenure. She joined the company as treasurer in 2006, and was subsequently promoted to vice president of Investor Relations.

In 2015, she was named chief financial officer, where she led all financial strategies for the company as well as the brand's relationship with the financial community. Prior to Sonic, she served as the director for the Oklahoma Office of State Finance.