Jim Hyatt has been named c.e.o. of California Pizza Kitchen.

LOS ANGELES — James F. Hyatt II has been named chief executive officer of California Pizza Kitchen. He succeeds G.J. Hart, who recently retired.

Mr. Hyatt has more than 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, most recently as c.e.o. of Ruby Tuesday, a role he assumed last April. Earlier, he was c.e.o. of Church’s Chicken and Cosi, Inc., and he also was global chief operating officer for Burger King. Mr. Hyatt spent a total of 32 years in the Burger King system, including 10 years as a multi-unit franchisee.

Josh Olshansky, managing director at Golden Gate Capital

“Jim is a world-class restaurant executive and team leader with a long track record of success in the industry and a passion for operational excellence,” said Josh Olshansky, managing director at Golden Gate Capital, majority shareholder of California Pizza Kitchen. “G.J. led the revitalization of CPK’s brand and culture, and we are confident that Jim is the ideal person to take the reins as CPK embarks on its next stage of growth. We are deeply grateful to G.J. for his leadership and contributions, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”