LEXINGTON, KY — The Fazoli’s executive team is gaining three restaurant industry veterans who will help “expand the brand and improve the overall customer experience,” the company said.
Jeff Sturgis, chief development officer of Fazoli's |
Jeff Sturgis is joining Fazoli’s as chief development officer. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the brand’s franchise development efforts and leading strategic planning efforts and execution of all restaurant development, real estate and franchise sales activities. Mr. Sturgis joins Fazoli’s from McAlister’s Deli, where he led franchise development efforts as chief development officer. Previously, he was regional vice-president of franchise sales for Focus Brands, operator of McAlister’s Deli, Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne’s and Seattle’s Best Coffee.
Rodney Lee has been named chief financial officer for Fazoli’s. Mr. Lee joined the company in September 2008 as c.f.o. and treasurer but left in June 2016 to become c.f.o. at The Krystal Co. He rejoins Fazoli’s a year and a half later, reprising his original role. Before originally joining Fazoli’s, Mr. Lee was c.f.o. and chief operating officer of 2JR Pizza Enterprises, a Pizza Hut franchisee.
Jodie Conrad, vice-president of marketing for Fazoli’s |
Jodie Conrad has been promoted to vice-president of marketing for Fazoli’s. Previously, she was senior brand director for the company. In her new role, Ms. Conrad will be responsible for all marketing functions and product development. Before joining Fazoli’s, she was director of brand marketing for The Wendy’s Co., director of new product testing for Donatos Pizza and customer marketing manager for the Coca-Cola Co.
“The Fazoli’s brand prides itself on recruiting and fostering the talents of some of the most dedicated and gifted executives in the industry,” said Carl Howard, president and chief executive officer of Fazoli’s. “In review of what we have been able to accomplish in the past year, we are enthusiastically looking forward to seeing what these exceptional industry veterans are able to bring to the table moving forward. We are in the midst of capitalizing on some incredible growth initiatives leading into 2018, and I can’t think of better leaders to be at the helm during this exciting time.”