Arby's has named industry veteran Hala Moddelmog to the post of brand president, parent company Wendy's/Arby's Group said Wednesday.
Moddelmog, 54, replaces Tom Garrett, who resigned in January amid falling sales at the 3,700-unit chain. She will report to Roland Smith, president and chief executive of Atlanta-based Wendy's/Arby's.
Moddelmog served as president of Church’s Chicken from 1995 to 2004, before leaving to become president and chief executive of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting breast cancer. She left that post in 2009 to found Catalytic Ventures LLC, a consultancy specializing in improving operating services within the foodservice, health care, franchising, retail and nonprofit categories.
Moddelmog also is no stranger to Arby's -- she began her career there in 1981 as a marketing research manager for the chain's franchise marketing association.
Smith said Moddelmog would take the lead on the turnaround under way at Arby's, which continues to battle falling customer traffic.
"She is an accomplished leader whose proven restaurant and business experience will be a tremendous asset to our organization," he said. "Her familiarity with the Arby’s brand and our franchise system will enable her to quickly immerse herself in brand-building strategies to grow store sales and profitability."
Moddelmog said she was happy to return to Arby’s and looked forward to working with the leadership team and franchisees to execute a business turnaround.
“I have analyzed the brand’s current priorities and can’t wait to lead our most important initiatives to grow sales and profits for our restaurants,” she said.
Arby’s, which specializes in roast beef and other deli-style sandwiches, last month rolled out a $1 value meal menu to all of its restaurants.
Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].
