Cooper's Hawk names new executivesCooper's Hawk names new executives

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants has named several new executives and created a new chief strategic officer position.

The moves come as the Countryside, Ill.-based casual-dining operator sets the stage for “the next phase of growth throughout the country,” the company said in a news release earlier this month.

Cooper’s Hawk has promoted Phoebe McMillan to the new role of chief strategic officer from her position as chief financial officer. Diana Garvis Purcel succeeds McMillan as CFO.

Diana Garvis Purcel, CFO

Most recently, Purcel was CFO at Famous Dave’s of America Inc., where she worked for more than 10 years. McMillan has been with Cooper’s Hawk for two years, as an adviser and then as CFO.

Other executive changes at Cooper’s Hawk include the naming of Ben Hummer as vice president of winery operations and Tara Snyder as vice president of learning and development.

Hummer most recently was senior vice president of operations at Seattle-based Precept Wine. Snyder most recently was senior director of leadership and development services at Bloomin’ Brands Inc., parent to the Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill brands.

“I am pleased that we are able to attract this level of talent and experience,” said Tim McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk’s founder and chief executive, in a statement. “These four individuals will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goal of national expansion.”

The company said it plans to open five new Cooper’s Hawk restaurants through summer 2015 in Florida, Virginia and the Midwest.

Cooper’s Hawk, which first opened in 2005, currently has 15 locations.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].
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