Staffing

Wendy's names former McDonald's exec Tariq Hassan as CMO

Photo: JHVEPhoto - stock.adobe.com

August 24, 2026

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Wendy's has appointed Tariq Hassan to the newly-created role of chief marketing and customer growth officer, effective immediately, according to a press release.

Hassan, who previously served as senior vice president and U.S. chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald's, will report to Wendy's President and CEO Bob Wright and serve on the senior leadership team.

Hassan brings more than three decades of global marketing, customer experience and brand-building experience to the restaurant chain.

"Tariq's appointment is another meaningful step in returning Wendy's to profitable growth," Wright said in the release. "He is a proven brand and team builder with a distinctive ability to connect culture, technology and consumer insight to drive measurable growth. He has demonstrated the impact that highly effective marketing, digital activation, menu innovation and culturally relevant brand engagement can have on restaurant performance and customer loyalty. He will be instrumental in sourcing and developing talent and building new capabilities in the organization to help Wendy's recapture its position as the quality leader in the QSR industry."

"Wendy's is an iconic American brand that has something special most brands spend decades trying to build, a real point of view that our customers genuinely feel," Hassan said in the release. "My focus will be on reigniting that passionate connection with our brand to show up more powerfully in every experience, everywhere our fans meet us. Working alongside Bob, the leadership team, our franchisees and restaurant teams, I see enormous opportunity to reshape how we tell this story, starting with the food itself, to drive growth for our customers, our franchisees, and our shareholders."

Lindsay Radkoski, who has served as U.S. chief marketing officer since 2024, will depart the organization after a transition period with Hassan over the coming weeks.

"On behalf of the Wendy's board and leadership team, I want to thank Lindsay for her many contributions over the past 15 years," Wright said. "Lindsay's commitment to Wendy's and dedication to our customers, franchisees and Company have always been a hallmark of her service. We are grateful that she will support a smooth transition and wish her continued success."