The franchise parent company is boosting its executive team.
CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent company of popular restaurant franchises Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has announced the hiring of Lance Tucker as chief financial officer, and Phil Crawford as the group’s new chief technology officer.
“We are excited to build on the strength of our current management team with the addition of these two exceptional hires,” said Ned Lyerly, CEO at CKE Restaurants. “Lance and Phil will be key contributors as we build on our brands’ momentum, innovate and address new consumer behaviors.”
Lance Tucker joins CKE after serving for several years as EVP and chief financial officer for Jack in the Box. Prior to that, he spent nine years at Papa John’s International, recently serving as SVP, chief financial officer, chief administrative officer, and treasurer. Collectively, Tucker brings almost 30 years of franchise experience and expertise to his role at CKE.
“The power of CKE’s iconic brands, combined with its 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.”
Phil Crawford, meanwhile, joins CKE from Godiva Chocolatier, where he served as global chief technology officer. Prior to this, Crawford honed his franchising know-how at Shake Shack, where he worked as the brand’s chief information officer/head of technology.
“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 it build a technology roadmap to support its business goals.”
Across its portfolio, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. operates more than 3,900 franchised or company-owned restaurants in 44 states and 42 foreign countries and U.S. territories.
