Wingstop CEO Charlie Morrison unexpectedly resignsWingstop CEO Charlie Morrison unexpectedly resigns

Joanna Fantozzi

Wingstop announced Monday the resignation of chairman and CEO Charlie Morrison, effective immediately. Morrison is leaving the company to become CEO of drive-thru salad concept, Salad & Go, where he currently serves on the board of directors.

The Dallas-based company’s president and COO Michael Skipworth is succeeding Morrison as head of the company. Lynn Crump-Caine, the executive board’ lead independent director, was appointed to succeed Charlie as board chair.

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation from Wingstop," Morrison said in a statement. "It's been an incredible 10 years and I will be forever proud of the growth and outstanding achievements of the past decade. Michael has worked closely with me as a trusted partner and colleague and I cannot think of a better person to serve as Wingstop's President and CEO. I have a profound amount of respect and confidence in Michael as he leads the brand in its next phase of monumental growth."

Morrison served as CEO of Wingstop for nearly a decade, and before that, was CEO of Pizza Inn. His successor, Michael Skipworth has been with the company since 2014, during which time he held multiple leadership positions, including vice president of finance, chief financial officer and most recently president and COO of Wingstop since last year. He helped to launch the brand’s IPO in 2015, and will now serve on the Wingstop board of directors.

"I'm humbled and excited for this next chapter with Wingstop," said Michael. "Charlie and I have worked together over the past eight years to grow and scale the brand globally, and we have a great deal of momentum as we look to the future. I feel confident we have the right talent and team with a clear strategy to continue delivering our unparalleled and industry-leading results. On a personal note, I will greatly miss Charlie's partnership but am looking forward to seeing the amazing things he accomplishes in his new role."

This is a developing story and more details will be available soon.

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