Church’s Chicken has named Karen Jean Viera as chief people officer, the company said Monday.
The Atlanta-based chicken brand appointed Viera to a new position that was created “for the strategic goal of coaching and performance management,” a spokesperson said, adding that Ed Brett, who had served a chief human resources officer, has “left the company to pursue other interests.”
“Ms. Viera is a tremendous addition to our executive team and we are excited to leverage her leadership, expertise, and diversity of thought at the highest level,” said Joe Christina, Church’s CEO, in a statement.
Christina also said Viera will help the company build talent through development, mentorship, performance management and workforce planning strategies.
In addition to human resources policy and procedures, Viera will oversee internal communications.
Prior to joining Church’s, Viera served as a senior vice president and chief human resource officer at MCIC Vermont, an insurance and risk-management firm that specializes in medical and healthcare. Previously she worked in human resources leadership at WellCare Health Plans Inc. and Assurant Inc.
“Church’s is one of the world’s most recognized restaurant brands and I’m excited to be a part of that energy,” Viera said.
“The values and culture at Church’s are already well in line with those of global leaders, and with some innovation and planning, I am certain that we can reach — and exceed — our goals.”
Church’s Chicken, founded in 1952, franchises outside the United States as Texas Chicken. The two brands have more than 1,650 locations in 27 countries.
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