Shake Shack Inc. announced the expansion of its executive team in the areas of development, licensing and information technology, the company said Wednesday.
The New York-based fast-casual burger concept, which has more than 200 units worldwide, is promoting Andrew McCaughan, left, to chief development officer and Michael Kark to chief global licensing officer, both effective Feb. 28. The company also hired Dave Harris as chief information officer.
“Shake Shack is experiencing incredible growth and now more than ever, our leadership teams will be key to our success,” said Randy Garutti, Shake Shack CEO, in a statement.
Earlier in February, Shake Shack named its first chief marketing officer with the appointment of Jay Livingston to the new role.
McCaughan, formerly Shake Shack’s vice president of development, as chief development officer, will be responsible for the overall growth of the company, leading the real estate strategy, design, construction and facilities functions. He joined the company in 2010 when it had three units.
Kark, left, formerly Shake Shack’s vice president of global licensing, as chief global licensing officer, will be responsible for overseeing the company's licensed partnerships around the world. Kark joined Shake Shack in 2012 and launched the brand in the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Hong Kong, mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Turkey. Before joining Shake Shack, Michael spent eight years overseeing operations at Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. and worked with Marriott International.
Harris, left, as Shake Shack’s chief information officer, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology. Dave most recently served as vice president of digital technology at Newell Brands, a publicly traded consumer goods company with such brands Sharpie, Elmer’s, Contigo, Graco, Calphalon, Coleman, Marmot, Rubbermaid and Yankee Candle. Previously, Harris was chief information officer at Yankee Candle and previously held technology leadership roles at Legends, JetBlue Airways, Avis Rent A Car and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
“Investment in our teams and developing future leaders from within has always been incredibly important at Shake Shack,” Garutti said. “We believe the unity that we have built amongst our teams and across the company is a key driver of our ability to deliver a great guest experience and successfully grow our footprint.”
In addition, Shake Shack also named a new director, Sumaiya Balbale, who will join the company’s board March 19. She will become the ninth member of Shake Shack's board. She most recently served as vice president of e-commerce and mobile and digital marketing for Walmart U.S.
Shake Shack, founded in 2004, has locations in 26 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, including more than 70 international locations.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless
