Sponsored By

Focus Brands names Tim Voss chief technology officerFocus Brands names Tim Voss chief technology officer

Executive joins portfolio company from Gem Shopping Network

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

April 21, 2022

1 Min Read
Nation's Restaurant News logo in a gray background | Nation's Restaurant News

Focus Brands LLC, the parent to such brands as Auntie Anne’s, Carvel and Schlotzsky’s, has named Tim Voss as its new chief technology officer, the company announced Thursday.

Atlanta-based Focus, which also owns the Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli and Moe’s Southwest Grill concepts, said it is overhauling its digital and technology offerings.

“Focus Brands is undergoing a major transformation in the digital and technology space, so it is critical to have a strong leader to help drive change across the business,” said Jim Holthouser, CEO of Focus Brands, in a statement.

“Having the right technology in place will add value to our franchisees and provide a greater experience for our guests,” Holthouser said. “With Tim’s proven track record for driving tech and digital evolution, we are set up for continued success.”

Focus-Brands-Tim-Voss-Chief-Technology-Officer.jpgVoss, left, joins Focus Brands from the Gem Shopping Network, where he served as chief technology officer. Voss has also led digital transformations and consulted with such brands as Estée Lauder, Citigroup, Reuters and Wyndham Worldwide.

In his technology role at Focus, the company said, Voss will oversee digital channels, with the primary goal of leveraging technology to create more user-friendly loyalty platforms and programs. Steve Roach, Focus Brands’ chief information officer, will report directly to Voss, the company said.

Related:Focus Brands appoints Tory Bartlett as chief brand officer of Moe's Southwest Grill

Focus Brands operates and franchises more than 6,000 restaurants and foodservice outlets. It also owns Seattle's Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

Subscribe Nation's Restaurant News Newsletters
Get the latest breaking news in the industry, analysis, research, recipes, consumer trends, the latest products and more.