The Wendy's Co. is announcing that Kirk Tanner, president and chief executive officer, is leaving to become the president and CEO at The Hershey Co. and will depart The Wendy's Co. effective July 18, 2025. The Wendy's Board of Directors has launched a comprehensive search process to select a permanent CEO.

The board has appointed Ken Cook, Wendy’s chief financial officer, as interim CEO. Cook, who remains CFO, played a major role in developing Wendy's long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining the company, Cook spent 20 years at United Parcel Service in roles of increasing responsibility, including having most recently served as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. Prior to that, he served as chief financial officer for the $60 billion US Domestic segment of UPS.

Art Winkleblack, chairman of the board, said, "Our senior leadership team has established a very clear strategic blueprint for growth and is already beginning to execute on this strategy. We are grateful to Ken for accepting the role of interim CEO and have the utmost confidence in him and the senior leadership team to lead the Company and to continue to execute on our growth plan."

"I look forward to executing on the strategic priorities we shared at our Investor Day: providing fresh, famous food, delivering an exceptional customer experience, and accelerating global net unit growth," said Cook. "We have a strong team and the right strategy in place to create value for our customers, franchisees, employees and shareholders."

Winkleblack said, "We understand Kirk's decision to return to the consumer-packaged goods industry and wish him well in leading Hershey."

"It has been a privilege to lead Wendy's, an iconic brand, and I leave with a sense of gratitude for our employees and franchisees who make the company a truly special place," said Tanner. "The brand is of the highest quality in the quick service restaurant industry, and I believe there is tremendous growth potential ahead for all Wendy's stakeholders."

In addition, the company announced that Bradley G. Peltz has been elected to serve as a director of the Company and will replace Matthew H. Peltz, who has resigned from the Board, effective today, to devote more time to his other commitments. Winkleblack said, "We are grateful to Matt for his many contributions to Wendy's over the years. We have made tremendous progress as a brand since Matt joined the Board, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors." Winkleblack also said, "We are excited to have Brad join our Board. Brad is a Managing Director of Yellow Cab Holdings, a Wendy's franchisee with restaurants in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. His creativity and connection to our customers and franchise community will provide valuable insights to Wendy's."

The Wendy's Company is scheduled to release its second quarter 2025 results on August 8, 2025.

Source: The Wendy's Co.