• by Teresa Buyikian , Yesterday

After a longer-than-six-month search, Wendy’s has appointed a new CEO who is a familiar face for the troubled QSR chain.

Robert D. “Bob” Wright has been named president and CEO. Wright fills the role that was held in the interim by Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Cook, who stepped in when former CEO Kirk Tanner left last year to lead The Hershey Company.

The CEO appointment comes at a difficult time for Wendy’s. In February, the chain announced it was closing at least 300 locations this year, following an 11.3% drop in same-store sales at the end of 2025. For the first quarter of 2026, the chain reported global systemwide sales were at $3.2 billion, a decrease of 5.5% YOY, though international systemwide sales did increase 6.0%.

Wright joins the chain from Potbelly Corporation, where he’s served as president and CEO since 2020. Wright is well acquainted with Wendy’s; he previously held various senior leadership roles at the chain, including serving as executive vice president, chief operating officer, from 2013 to 2019. He has also held senior positions at Charley’s Philly Steaks, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants and Domino's.

“Following a thorough and comprehensive search, the board is confident that Bob is the right leader to guide Wendy's into its next chapter, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Wendy's team,” said chairman of the board Art Winkleblack in the announcement. “He is a proven operator and brand builder with deep industry expertise and a results-driven approach that aligns with our strategic priorities. Bob has strong support across our franchise community, and we look forward to partnering with him to further strengthen the business and drive long-term value for our customers, franchisees and shareholders.”