MINNEAPOLIS — John Gainor, president and chief executive officer of International Dairy Queen, Inc. (I.D.Q.), plans to retire at the end of the year. Troy Bader, current chief operating officer of the company, will succeed him as president and c.e.o. on Jan. 1.
Mr. Gainor joined I.D.Q. in 2003 as chief supply chain officer and was promoted to president and c.e.o. in 2008.
“John has done everything I hoped for — and more — in accelerating I.D.Q.’s growth in the U.S. and internationally,” said Warren Buffett, chairman and c.e.o. of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., parent company of I.D.Q. “I thank him for both that and for the development of an outstanding successor, Troy Bader.”
Mr. Bader joined I.D.Q. in 2001, serving in various executive leadership positions before being named c.o.o. in 2011.
“I.D.Q. is a strong company with a history of great leadership,” Mr. Bader said. “I am honored to be entrusted to lead I.D.Q. and to continue to represent the iconic Dairy Queen brand. I look forward to working with our worldwide team of dedicated employees, franchisees and vendors to grow the brand even further through the delivery of exceptional products, great service and memorable experiences for our fans throughout the world.”
