Bojangles’, Inc, announced it has hired Jose R. Costa as chief development officer. In this newly created role, Costa will drive unit growth, recruit new franchisees, and be responsible for real estate strategy, equipment, and new restaurant design and construction, according to a company statement. Costa will report to CEO Jose Armario.
“Jose joins our executive team at a pivotal time as Bojangles’ charts our strategic path forward,” said Armario, in a statement. “His 20 years of experience in marketing, franchising, multi-unit retailing and customer experience for well-known brands will play a crucial role as we define our growth over the next decade.”
The Charlotte, N.C.-based based chicken and biscuits company has been slowly overhauling its executive team after the brand was bought and taken private by Durational Capital Management L.P. and The Jordan Company, L.P. The deal was completed early this year.
Recent hires include Reese Stewart as CFO and Jackie Woodward as chief marketing officer. Armario was installed as CEO in January, and at that time Brian Unger took the role of chief operating officer.
Costa most recently served as CEO, North America, for global optical retailer GrandVision. He previously served as group president of Driven Brands, which operates more than 1,400 body shops. He also was vice president of marketing, R&D and supply chain at Burger King Latin America and Caribbean Region. Costa also served as president of COSTA IMC, an integrated marketing communications firm focused on the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American segments.
“It’s an exciting time to join this iconic brand with such loyal fans,” said Costa in a statement. “Bojangles’ has put together a topnotch team with incredible plans for continued growth, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s success.”
Bojangles’ has more than 750 restaurants.
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