Tom Ryan is taking on a more active role at Smashburger. The Denver-based burger chain he cofounded on Monday named Ryan chief brand officer, as it continues making moves to evolve its business and grow more aggressively.
Ryan started the chain along with Rick Schaden in 2007 and had been its chief concept officer in the years since.
“As we set an aggressive growth pace, maintaining the integrity of the Smashburger brand is paramount,” Schaden, the company’s chairman, said in a statement. “There is no better person than Tom to guide the evolution of the Smashburger brand as we enter this next phase of growth at home and abroad.”
The move follows the announcement last week that Mike Nolan was promoted to CEO of Smashburger, which has 365 locations and is looking to take the next step in its growth phase.
It also comes after Manila-based quick-service restaurant operator Jollibee Foods Corporation bought 40 percent of Smashburger.
As chief concept officer, Ryan oversaw product development and quality standards. As chief brand officer he will oversee the brand’s evolution as the company expands its operations and global ambitions.
Ryan is a longtime industry veteran who has held product development positions at Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Quiznos.
“Smashburger is at an inflection point,” Ryan said in a statement. “I’m excited at the prospect of taking on a more active, day-to-day role and working with the talented team that Josh Kern, our chief marketing officer, has assembled. All the ingredients are in place to take Smashburger to the next level as we restore burgers to their rightful place.”
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