Executive Summary: The latest restaurant industry leadership changes.

McDonald’s has named Emily Reasor the company’s new chief strategy officer. CEO Chris Kempczinski made the announcement on LinkedIn, saying that the hiring “signals our intent to make strategy a dynamic capability.” Reasor comes to the Chicago-based fast-food giant from the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, where she was a senior partner.

Shake Shack has named Michael Fanuele chief brand officer for the fast-casual chain. The position is a new addition to the leadership structure. Fanuele will oversee advertising, paid media and insights and analytics. He has been working with Shake Shack as a consultant since earlier this year. Fanuele has worked as a brand and media strategist for Dos Equis, Arby’s, Cadillac, Charles Schwab, Cheerios and more. Most recently, he founded Lab of Creative Commerce, a consulting firm.

Cava said Chief Operations Officer Jennifer Somers stepped down on Sept. 23, and the chain is planning to look for a replacement. In the interim, Jonathan Braatvedt, SVP of operations, will serve as interim head of operations.

Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream has added four executives to its leadership team.

Abby Rock is the new vice president of marketing. She previously led marketing for a jewelry company and had her own consulting firm.

Ashley Balluff has been promoted to vice president of training and culinary services. She has worked at Happy Joe’s since 1999 and was director of training and culinary development before her promotion.

Jenny Culp is now vice president of purchasing and supply chain. She has worked with the brand’s supply chain since 2007, most recently as director of purchasing and supply chain.

Christopher Anschutz is vice president of restaurant operations. He previously worked with Happy Joe’s parent company Dynamic Restaurant Holdings LLC, most recently as senior franchise business consultant.

Artistry Restaurants has appointed Jeff Brooks to the role of brand president of the Shrimp Basket chain, which has 18 units in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. Brooks was previously president of operations for Everbowl.

La Stella Cucina Verace in Dallas is expanding and has added a number of new people to the team, as the brand prepares to open a location in Addison later this year.

Marcelo Mintz has joined as executive chef. He is described as having nearly three decades of international culinary experience in Italy, France, Brazil and the U.S.

Jeff Barker, formerly of Chamberlain’s Restaurants and Mi Piaci, is the new director of operations.

Kyle Kepner, formerly of III Forks Steakhouse and an owner of The Wine Authority, has been named general manager.

Yuri Tukuli, formerly of Monarch and Mister Charles, is the new sommelier.

Ozzy Samano is also executive chef. He worked previously with Drake’s and Hudson House.

Frankie Quintanilla, the chef de cuisine at the Dallas location, will be CDC at Addison.

Source https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/mcdonalds-shake-shack-happy-joes-more-make-executive-moves

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