IHOP hires new franchise VPIHOP hires new franchise VP

Lisa Jennings

GLENDALE Calif. IHOP has named Bill Alexander vice president of franchise and business development.

Alexander, who previously worked as vice president of development and finance at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, replaces Jess Sotomayor, who left to pursue other interests, IHOP said. The 1,456-unit chain is owned by DineEquity Inc., based in Glendale, Calif., which also owns and franchises the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar chain.

In his new role, Alexander is responsible for the strategic expansion of the nearly all-franchised IHOP brand through both domestic and international franchising. He also will lead efforts to further IHOP’s market penetration through non-traditional venues.

“With franchisees committed to a pipeline of over 350 new locations, IHOP is positioned to expand its lead in family dining,” said Jean Birch, IHOP's president. “One of our key strategies is to make IHOP more convenient to more guests and Bill’s leadership in franchising will allow us to make that a reality.”

At Macaroni Grill, Alexander was responsible for leading both franchise and company-owned restaurant development. His previous experience includes work for Dallas-based Brinker International Inc., which owned the Macaroni Grill brand until December 2008, and Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, which operates and franchises the T.G.I. Friday’s chain.

Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].