FRANKLIN, TENN. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has hired Joe Guith as chief executive officer. Guith succeeds Sarah Spiegel, interim CEO and board member.

“Joe brings a blend of industry expertise and visionary leadership that perfectly aligns with our goals for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s,” Spiegel said. “We are confident that his proven track record in brand growth and operational excellence will drive our company forward, allowing us to reach new levels of success and innovation.”

Guith most recently was CEO at Church’s Texas Chicken. Earlier, he was with GoTo Foods for approximately eight years. There, he held leadership positions for GoTo Foods brands, including chief operating officer at Cinnabon, Inc., president at Cinnabon Inc., and president of McAlister’s Deli.

Spiegel was appointed interim CEO in November 2024 when the company’s previous CEO, Max Wetzel, departed the company.