Zaxby's has named Michelle Morgan as its first chief people officer, the company said Tuesday.
The Athens, Ga.-based quick-service company said Morgan most recently served as executive vice president of culture and brand experience at Zaxby's and has been with the company for more than 20 years.
"Our values reinforce our everyday leadership behaviors, which are ultimately aimed to enrich lives," said Bernard Acoca, Zaxby's CEO, in a statement. "Michelle is a strong servant leader who will continue to work consistently to strengthen our foundational commitment to put our team members and franchisees first. Her long history with Zaxby's gives her a unique vantage point on people-related issues."
Morgan, left, started at Zaxby’s as a front-line store cashier and took on various leadership roles in operations and human resources. She was instrumental in developing and implementing standards for diversity and inclusion, talent development, corporate citizenship and guest service, the company said.
"Michelle is known not only for her business acumen but for her courage in championing solutions, fostering collaboration and advocating for people," Acoca added. "The guest experience will never exceed the employee experience, and in a time where a challenging but fun and inspirational environment is vital to a company's success, Michelle has proven that she can lead through our values while building talent and capability across the organization."
As chief people officer, Morgan will be responsible for optimizing recruitment, performance and professional development as well as elevating and reinforcing Zaxby's culture and aligning the mission with values, decisions and commitments.
Morgan said, "I am excited to lead the employee experience and ensure that we continue to 'enrich lives' through our support center, in the restaurants, through the guest experience and into the communities we serve."
In late 2020, Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division acquired a “significant stake” in Zaxby’s Operating Co. L.P.
Zaxby’s, founded in 1990, has more than 900 locations in 18 states.
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