DUBLIN, OHIO — Todd A. Penegor, currently president of The Wendy’s Co., has added the title of chief executive officer. He succeeds Emil Brolick, who has retired from management duties with the company. Mr. Brolick announced his intention to retire in October, with Mr. Penegor designated as successor for the president and c.e.o. roles.
Mr. Penegor has been chief financial officer since 2013 and has transitioned those responsibilities to Gunther Plosch, who joined the company earlier this month. Prior to joining Wendy’s, Mr. Penegor worked at Kellogg Co. from 2000 to 2013, where he held several key leadership positions, including vice-president of Kellogg Co. and president of U.S. Snacks from 2009 to June 2013, vice-president and c.f.o. of Kellogg Europe from 2007 to 2009, and vice-president and c.f.o. of Kellogg USA and Kellogg Snacks from 2002 to 2007. Prior to joining Kellogg, Mr. Penegor worked for 12 years at Ford Motor Co. in various positions, including strategy, mergers and acquisitions, the controller’s office and treasury.
“The transition of c.e.o. duties from Emil Brolick to Todd Penegor has been seamless, as expected,” said Nelson Peltz, chairman of the board of directors. “Todd’s strong leadership, operational expertise and great passion for Wendy’s will benefit the brand and all of Wendy’s stakeholders. We are also very grateful for Emil’s many contributions and his efforts to ensure that he retired with an excellent successor in place and a highly capable senior leadership team.”
Wendy’s also announced that Robert D. Wright, executive vice-president and chief operations officer, will assume leadership responsibilities for the International division on May 30 in addition to his current responsibilities. Prior to joining Wendy’s in 2013, Mr. Wright was president, chief operating officer and interim c.e.o. for Charley’s Grilled Subs from December 2010 to December 2013. Prior to that, he was executive vice-president of company and franchise operations at Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. from January 2008 to August 2010. Previously, Mr. Wright worked for 10 years at Wendy’s International in various corporate roles, including as franchise area director, director of area operations, president of Cafe Express, L.L.C., and vice-president of operations and training integration. Earlier, he worked as a senior franchise consultant at Domino’s Pizza.
