Leadership

Craveworthy Brands and Pizza Factory name new executives

Executive Summary: A roundup of high-level hirings and promotions in the restaurant business includes changes for Wingstop and PRIMO partners.
Matt Adams and Kim DeCarolis
Matt Adams and Kim DeCarolis. | Photos courtesy of Pizza Factory and Craveworthy Brands.

Kim DeCarolis is the new senior vice president of strategic growth for Craveworthy Brands.  She worked previously for Fat Brands, and, before that, with restaurant tech operations PathSpot, SevenRooms and Punchh. In her new role, she is tasked with creating and executing a franchise sales strategy to grow Craveworthy Brands’ growing portfolio of concepts.

Pizza Factory also named a new executive this week. The pizza chain appointed Matt Adams to the role of regional vice president. Adams comes to the chain with experience in leadership and operations. As regional vice president, Adams will manage employee logistics and growth.

“Matt’s extensive operational experience and intense passion for the Pizza Factory brand will be an asset to his role, and I know he will make a large impact on the brand. We have a lot of development in place for the remainder of the year, and I’m confident Matt will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficiency and implementing the company’s vision and goals throughout,” said Mary Jane Riva, CEO of Pizza Factory, in a statement.

Wingstop has appointed Anne Fischer senior vice president and chief growth officer. Fischer was previously chief marketing and digital officer at Papa John’s International, where she worked for eight years. Her experience also includes stints at The Walt Disney Company and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

PRIMO Partners, the only Black-owned multi-unit franchise group of Ben & Jerry’s, has named Jade Hedgeman-Chioke vice president of sales and marketing. Hedgeman-Chioke brings over 13 years of experience in marketing and sales to the company.  In the new role, Hedgeman-Chioke will build on the marketing strategy to increase revenue and awareness of the brand.

“Jade is definitely the right person to help take team PRIMO to the next level,” said Antonio McBroom, CEO of PRIMO Partners, in a statement.  “Like everyone who joins the PRIMO family, I see an ambition and fire within her to make a difference in the world for aspiring Black business owners. Her passion and dedication shines through the work she does every day.”

Also this week, Elizabeth McGee was promoted to CEO of Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group.

And online catering marketplace ezCater, has named former Lyft executive Ashwin Raj as its new CEO. Raj replaces the company’s longtime CEO and co-founder Stefania Mallett.

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