• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

Chuck E. Cheese parent company CEC Entertainment appointed Scott Drake  CEO and president, effective Jan. 13.

Drake has served as the company’s chief financial officer since 2024, and now fills the role left vacant by David McKillips, who is stepping down after  six years in the position.

“Under Scott's financial leadership, CEC strengthened its balance sheet, refinanced its capital structure and delivered growth through key strategic initiatives, and today, the company is in an enviable position among its competitors,” said CEC Board Chairman Joshua Acheatel. “We thank David for his outstanding leadership during a pivotal period for the company, and we are confident that Scott is the right executive to lead CEC as a powerhouse in the dynamic family entertainment space.”

Drake joined CEC most recently from Farmer Brothers Coffee, where he also served as chief financial officer from 2020-2023. Before that he worked at Game Stop for over four years, departing as senior vice president, planning, analysis and treasurer. But he actually spent the majority of his career at 7-Eleven, where over a 14-year span he rose to the position of vice president, financial planning, strategy and communications. He also spent time at la Madeleine, Coca-Cola, Arthur Andersen and PWC.

Drake’s appointment comes as CEC has just completed a $350 million systemwide remodel and brand refresh. In 2025 the brand added such extensions as the Chuck E. Cheese Adventure World and Chuck's Arcade concepts. For 2026 the brand has said it will focus on the growth of its Mega-Superhero Playgrounds and debut the first Chuck E. Cheese in the UK.

The privately held CEC Entertainment is also the parent company of Peter Piper Pizza, which has approximately 100 locations across Texas, New Mexico, California and Arizona. Chuck E. Cheese operates about 600 locations worldwide.