Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc. has named two executives to key domestic and international positions, the company said this week.
The Atlanta-based quick-service operator named John K. Merkin chief operating officer-U.S. Andrew Skehan was promoted to the new position of president-international.
Merkin, who most recently served as senior vice president of operations at DineEquity Inc.’s IHOP division, will assume duties formerly held by Ralph Bower, who left last August to become CEO at WokHold Co LLC’s Pei Wei Asian Diner.
“John brings a proven track record in creating high-trust, high-performance teams that support the success of franchisees and restaurant managers,” Popeyes CEO Cheryl A. Bachelder said in a statement. “He has broad and deep experience in operations, development, brand building and talent development.”
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Prior to IHOP, Merkin spent more than 20 years with InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.
Skehan had served as Popeyes chief operating officer, international, since 2011. Before that, he was chief operating officer for Wendy’s/Arby’s International, from 2009 to 2011. He is also a former president of Quiznos’ Europe, Africa and Middle East operations.
After reporting strong results in 2014, including eight consecutive quarters of international same-store sales growth, Popeyes said last month it planned to make a significant investment in overseas development in the coming years.
Bachelder said Skehan had been instrumental in executing the company’s strategic roadmap.
“As president, international, he will spearhead our entry into new high-growth markets,” she said. “In this role, Andrew will continue to focus on developing quality restaurants globally.”
Skehan said in a statement: “We have taken a long-term approach that positions us for accelerated and sustained growth. Our focus on enhancing our organizational capabilities, streamlining operations and investing in brand development has proven to be a winning strategy. I am confident international will play a big part in Popeyes’ future.”
Popeyes has more than 500 international locations, including 80 units that opened in 2014. Overall, the company operates or franchises 2,379 restaurants in the United States, three territories and 26 other nations.
Contact Lisa Jennings at [email protected].
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Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
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