Sponsored By

Wendy’s names former UPS executive Ken Cook as new CFOWendy’s names former UPS executive Ken Cook as new CFO

Cook will succeed Gunther Plosch, who is leaving the company after 8 years as chief financial officer

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

November 18, 2024

1 Min Read
Wendys ext w new signage 2013 0
Wendy's new CFO has 20 years of experience at UPS.Wendy's

Joanna Fantozzi

The Wendy’s Co. announced the appointment of former UPS head of financial planning and analysis of the U.S. division, Ken Cook, as the Dublin, Ohio-based company’s new CFO. Cook will succeed outgoing chief financial officer, Gunther Plosch, who has been in the role since 2016 and will be departing at the end of the year.

"Driving operational performance and improving restaurant profitability are critical to our growth trajectory," Wendy’s president and CEO Kirk Tanner said in a statement. "Ken will play a key role across our initiatives to increase revenue and expand margins as we enter the next phase of growth in the U.S. and around the globe, helping to unlock value for our shareholders. I want to thank GP for his work to improve our system's financial foundations and processes that have created a stronger organization and positioned us to build momentum."

Cook spent his 20-year career in various roles at United Parcel Service, including CFO, where he led financial planning and execution for the company's business unit. He also held roles in investor relations and treasury, along with more than three years as the CFO of the UPS South Asia division.

"I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Finance organization of Wendy's as this iconic brand embarks on an accelerated growth journey," said Ken Cook. "I look forward to working with the talented Wendy's system and franchise community to drive profitable growth for our restaurants, teams, and share owners."

Related:Wendy’s plans to accelerate some unit closures

Wendy's has more than 7,000 restaurants.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.