HRI names new marketing, financial chiefs
Houlihan’s Restaurants Inc. has made several leadership changes, naming three new executives over the past few months, the company said Wednesday.
The Leawood, Kan.-based restaurant company has hired Bill Leibengood as chief marketing officer, Terry Harryman as chief financial officer and Chad Devorak as senior vice president of operations for the Houlihan’s brand.
The CMO role is a new position, while CFO Harryman succeeds Bob Nygren, who left recently to become CEO at Charlotte, N.C.-based Wild Wing Café. Devorak’s senior vice president of operations position is also new, created after Shane Womack left as vice president of operations.
Leibengood assumed the marketing position in July, overseeing marketing, advertising and menu strategy for the company. He most recently was vice president of marketing for Dallas-based Wingstop Inc. and previously headed brand management at Applebee’s.
“Bill brings to us the expertise and track record of a successful CMO, along with the hands-on business experience of a seasoned marketing executive," said Mike Archer, Houlihan’s Restaurant Inc.’s CEO, in a statement. "This strong combination of skills and experience will be an important addition to the HRI executive team and will support his success as CMO.”
As CFO, Harryman oversees finance, technology and supply chain for the company. He most recently was vice president of finance, planning and investor relations at Greenwood Village, Colo-based Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. and earlier served in leadership roles at Oklahoma City, Okla.-based Sonic. Corp.
“Terry has a proven record of facilitating long-term business relationships, and that will be instrumental as we continue to execute our overall strategy,” Archer said. “With his experience and leadership, Terry will be a dynamic addition to our executive team.”
As senior vice president of operations for Houlihan’s, Devorak is responsible for all aspects of operations within Houlihan’s central division. He previously served as regional vice president of operations for Yard House, a division of Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc.
Houlihan’s Restaurants Inc. operates about 70 casual-dining and polished casual concepts, including Houlihan’s, J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood, Bristol Seafood Grill, Devon Seafood Grill and the new TBD Bar Social, which debuted in San Antonio, Texas, in March.
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