Tropical Smoothie Café shakes up C-suite with new executive appointmentsTropical Smoothie Café shakes up C-suite with new executive appointments

Atlanta-based quick-service chain Tropical Smoothie Café announced several new executive appointments and promotions on Tuesday. The company appointed former Baskin-Robbins brand head Jonathan Biggs as chief operating officer, promoted Chris Sasser from chief strategy officer to chief financial officer, and promoted Karen Wickliffe from assistant general counsel to general counsel.

"These leadership appointments mark an exciting new chapter for Tropical Smoothie Cafe," CEO Max Wetzel said in a statement. "Jonathan's operational expertise, combined with Chris and Karen's proven leadership in finance and legal strategy, will strengthen our ability to support franchisees and build on our incredible growth momentum."

Before joining Tropical Smoothie Café, Biggs worked for many years at Inspire Brands, where he most recently held multiple leadership positions at Baskin-Robbins. Before that, he had multiple operating systems roles with Dunkin’. At Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, Biggs was charged with driving restaurant profitability through technology and operational innovations.

Chris Sasser was promoted to the CFO role following the retirement of Paul Marsden. Before his new role, Sasser, “played an instrumental role in shaping fiscal strategy and performance” in his nearly six years at the company, according to Tropical Smoothie Café. Sasser has held previous leadership roles at Restaurant Brands International Inc., parent to the Burger King, Tim Hortons, and other quick-service brands.

Related:McDonald’s expects to gain chicken market share this year

Wickliffe has spent more than seven years as legal counsel for Tropical Smoothie Café and steps into the role of general counsel after her predecessor’s retirement. She will oversee all legal functions and will partner with leadership and business stakeholders on strategic initiatives.

All three new executive roles were announced during a time of strategic growth for Tropical Smoothie Café. The smoothie chain has more than 1,500 locations across 44 states.

Contact Joanna at [email protected]