Staffing

Wendy's names Robert D. 'Bob' Wright president, CEO

Bob Wright. Photo: Wendy's

May 20, 2026

Summarize with

The Wendy's Company has appointed Robert D. "Bob" Wright as president and CEO, effective May 21. Wright will also join the company's board of directors, according to apress release.

Wright most recently served as president and CEO of Potbelly Corp. His prior experience includes serving as executive vice president and chief operations officer at Wendy's, as well as holding leadership positions at Charleys Philly Steaks, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and Domino's Pizza, Inc.

"Following a thorough and comprehensive search, the Board is confident that Bob is the right leader to guide Wendy's into its next chapter, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Wendy's team," Chairman of the Board Art Winkleblack said in the release. "He is a proven operator and brand builder with deep industry expertise and a results-driven approach that aligns with our strategic priorities. Bob has strong support across our franchise community, and we look forward to partnering with him to further strengthen the business and drive long-term value for our customers, franchisees and shareholders."

"I am honored and energized to return to Wendy's at a pivotal moment for the brand," Wright said in the release. "Since Dave Thomas founded this company, a commitment to quality has been at the heart of how we serve customers and operate our restaurants. Wendy's is an iconic brand with a strong foundation and significant opportunity ahead. I am focused on elevating the customer experience, advancing operational excellence, and strengthening the franchisee financial model to deliver sustainable, profitable growth. I believe the best days for Wendy's are ahead."

As part of the leadership transition, Ken Cook will continue in his role as CFO after serving as interim CEO. Chief Accounting Officer Suzie Thuerk also assumed an expanded role during the transition.

Wendy's has more than 7,000 restaurants.