FRANKLIN, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s®, today announced the hiring of Lance Tucker as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Phil Crawford as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Both executives bring extensive industry experience in food service, franchising, growth, and innovation.
“We are excited to build on the strength of our current management team with the addition of these two exceptional hires,” said Ned Lyerly, Chief Executive Officer at CKE Restaurants. “Lance and Phil will be key contributors as we build on our brands’ momentum, innovate and address new consumer behaviors.”
Tucker returns to the Southeast from his position in Southern California where he served as EVP and Chief Financial Officer for Jack in the Box, Inc. Prior to that, he spent nine years at Louisville-based Papa John’s International, Inc., most recently serving as SVP, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer. He will bring nearly 30 years of experience and extensive knowledge of the franchise model to the role of CKE’s CFO.
“The power of CKE’s iconic brands, combined with their experienced management team and franchisee network, represents an exciting opportunity to showcase my strengths as we create value for guests, franchisees and stakeholders,” Tucker explained. “It’s a privilege to support these brands, and I look forward to partnering with the many entrepreneurs who have chosen to bring Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. to local communities across the country and around the world.”
Crawford brings more than 20 years of experience to the role of CTO. He joins from Godiva Chocolatier, Inc., where he served as Global Chief Technology Officer. Prior to that, he served as Chief Information Officer/Head of Technology for Shake Shack, Inc. As CTO, Crawford will lead CKE’s information technology function and build a technology roadmap to transform the company into a technology-forward, data-driven organization that exceeds consumers/ evolving expectations.
“Technology is an enabler to a connected future that will transform experiences for our guests and employees, our relationship with our franchisees and how we operate globally,” said Crawford. “CKE is committed to becoming a leader in innovation, and I’m humbled by the opportunity to help them build a technology roadmap to support its business goals.”
About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE"), a privately held company based in Franklin, Tennessee, runs and operates Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, two beloved regional brands, known for one-of-a-kind premium and innovative menu items such as 100 percent Black Angus Thickburgers®, Made from Scratch™ Biscuits and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. With both a US and international footprint, Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC have over 3,900 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 44 states and 42 foreign countries and U.S. territories. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.