• by Teresa Buyikian , January 16, 2026

So far, 2026 is kicking off with even more management changes to popular QSR executive ranks.

This week Popeyes promoted Matt Rubin to CMO for the U.S. and Canada, where he will “lead Popeyes’ marketing strategy, brand positioning and customer engagement across all channels.”

“Matt brings a deep understanding of the Popeyes brand, the guest and the broader quick-service restaurant landscape,” says Peter Perdue, president of Popeyes U.S. and Canada. “His experience across marketing, analytics and digital positions him well to move quickly to strengthen our brand positioning and drive growth.”

Rubin has been with Restaurant Brands International Inc. more than 11 years, four of those with Popeye’s. He most recently served as Popeye’s chief digital officer, and previously worked leading marketing analytics for the brand. Earlier in his career he was CMO for RBI’s brands in the Asia-Pacific region.

Del Taco is also making several leadership changes since the company’s sale to Yadav Enterprises late last year. The Mexican QSR has promoted Noah Chillingworth to CMO. Chillingworth previously spent over 15 years as the chain’s vice president of marketing, now returning to Del Taco after briefly serving as CMO for Farmer Boys Restaurants.

“We are deeply committed to a foundation anchored by talented and experienced leaders who share our vision for growth and impact,” says Anil Yadav, CEO of Yadav Enterprises. “Every executive who occupies a seat around our leadership table is part of a thoughtful approach to strengthen the organization and is responsible for making disciplined decisions that benefit our franchise partners, team members and guests, while positioning the brand to perform and scale for the long term.”

Del Taco has also promoted Ulyses Camacho to the role of chief transformation officer, and tapped Ellen Sasada as vice president, supply chain, food safety & quality assurance.