Friendly’s names Hutchinson VP human resourcesFriendly’s names Hutchinson VP human resources

Elissa Elan

Friendly Ice Cream Corp. has promoted Cheryl Hutchinson to the post of vice president of human resources.

Hutchinson, who joined Friendly’s as regional human resources manager in 1999, is responsible for the Wilbraham, Mass.-based family-dining company’s human resources and employee development functions.

“Cheryl brings over 20 years of human resources background and experience in employee relations, staffing, training and manpower planning,” said Harsha V. Agadi, the new chairman and chief executive of the 500-unit Friendly’s chain. “She has demonstrated strong leadership, and I look forward to her continued achievements.”

The 75-year-old Friendly’s, which is owned by private-equity firm Sun Capital Partners in Boca Raton, Fla., has undergone a series of upper-management changes recently.

Agadi, the former president and chief executive of Atlanta-based Church’s Chicken quick-service chain, joined Friendly’s Aug. 17. He succeeded chief executive Ned Lidvall, who left to pursue other interests.

Andrea McKenna was appointed vice president of marketing and chief marketing officer, Aug. 9. She replaced Skip Weldon.

Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].