• by Teresa Buyikian , December 5, 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, executives at several QSRs are changing positions before the new year.

Late last week, Jack in the Box announced senior vice president and COO Tony Darden was leaving the company, effective immediately. The announcement went on to state that Darden’s departure was “consistent with a planned restructure.”  Ryan Ostrom, who currently serves as the company’s executive vice president, chief marketing and digital officer, will also be taking over operations on top of his current responsibilities.

Then early this week, Oak Brook, Illinois-based Portillo’s named Darden as its new COO. He fills the shoes left by Derrick Pratt, who departed earlier this year to join Condado Tacos as its CEO.  Portillo’s, primarily known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and street food, currently has just under 100 locations across the U.S. but has started massive expansion plans for over 900 new restaurants.

“[We] welcome Tony as we continue to grow Portillo’s with purpose,” said Michael Osanloo, Portillo’s CEO and president. “Tony is a proven leader with an ability to elevate operations while fostering innovation and building inspiring teams.”

Prior to serving as Jack in the Box CEO since 2021, Darden was president of MOOYAH Burgers, and also held COO positions at Taco Bueno and Sun Holdings (one of the largest franchisees in the U.S.) Earlier in his career, Darden also served as vice president of operations at Panera Bread.

Moving from hot dogs to pasta, Maggiano’s Little Italy also appointed Mike Wesley as vice president of marketing. Wesley previously spent 14 years at Yum Brands before joining Maggiano's. He most recently served as vice president of brand marketing for KFC U.S. Prior to Yum Brands, Wesley worked in CPG at Procter & Gamble, serving in the North America oral health and global home care categories.