Business

CKE Restaurants Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments for Brand Excellence

FRANKLIN, Tenn., April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move poised to enhance the growth and prominence of its popular food service brands, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), the revered parent entity overseeing Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, has publicized the latest appointments into its distinguished executive ranks. The fast-food conglomerate has delineated distinct roles, inaugurating brand presidents for Carl's Jr., Hardee's, and its International division.

Blake Devillier joins CKE Restaurants as the Carl’s Jr. USA President.

In the vanguard of a novel structural approach following the division of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, a three-pronged leadership configuration is established, with each segment helmed by a president appointed to spearhead strategic growth initiatives. The illustrious Mike Woida is retained as the International President; last autumn observed Chris Bode’s ascension as Hardee's USA President, and the esteemed Blake Devillier is now onboarded as the President of Carl's Jr. USA. Faithful to its ethos, CKE aims to harness the conglomerate's extensive international footprint in fortifying its preeminence within the industry.

“I'm thrilled to have such exceptional leaders at the helm of our business. Their proven track records and strategic vision will be instrumental in unlocking the full potential of our brands. With a focus on dedicated brand growth plans and the leverage of CKE's global infrastructure, we're poised to achieve transformative results,” declared Max Wetzel, chief executive officer at CKE.

Blake Devillier, joining the CKE family on April 1, is recognized as a visionary strategist with a robust background in steering multi-faceted operations. With his finger on the pulse of fostering culture and execution, Devillier is acclaimed for engendering exceptional performance breakthroughs. Previous to his tenure at CKE, he served as the senior vice president of field operations at YUM! Brands, Inc. for the Taco Bell division. His impressive resume further includes over a quarter-century at GAP, Inc., where he undertook influential roles at Banana Republic, Gap brand, and Old Navy, notably as vice president of stores at Old Navy. Academically accomplished, Devillier is an MBA graduate from the University of Texas at San Antonio and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana.

“For years, Carl's Jr. has been synonymous with satisfying hunger for big, bold burgers with craveable flavors. I'm excited to leverage my experience to lead our teams and drive innovative strategies that will propel Carl’s Jr. to even greater heights,” articulated Blake Devillier, exuberantly accepting his role as Carl's Jr. USA president.

About Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr.® has carved a niche internationally for its audacious and distinctive flavors, reminiscent of its Californian origins. Known for its culinary innovation, the chain has introduced outlandish offerings, including premium, juicy, charbroiled burgers, deftly breaded chicken tenders, and delectable ice-cream shakes. Marking its position in the food industry for over eight decades, Carl's Jr., together with its franchisees, operates in excess of 1,000 U.S. restaurants and boasts a footprint in 24 countries. For further indulgence in its rich history and to taste innovation, visit www.carlsjr.com.

About Hardee's

Embodied by a legacy of 'Goodness in The Making', Hardee's® resonates high regard for its freshly-prepared, wholesomely crafted menu selections. Its lineup includes the likes of Made from Scratch™ Biscuits, meticulously breaded chicken tenders, and charbroiled burgers fashioned from 100 percent Angus beef. In collaborative spirit with its franchisees, Hardee's oversees an approximate 1,600 restaurant operations within the U.S., further extending its welcoming presence into 13 countries internationally. With a history spanning more than six decades, Hardee’s continues to unify communities with traditional flavors and local fervor. Discover more about Hardee's comforting offerings at www.hardees.com.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.

Nestled in the heart of Franklin, Tennessee, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. stands as a bastion of privately-held expertise in the culinary domain, conducting and fostering the celebrated Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® brands. Synonymous with premium ingredients and inventive menu innovations such as the iconic charbroiled burgers and handcrafted biscuits, the two brands define the group’s commitment to quality. Beyond domestic triumphs, Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC cater to discerning taste buds in over 35 international markets, including U.S. territories. For a comprehensive exploration of CKE's exceptional culinary heritage and its brand philosophies, interested parties are encouraged to embark on a digital voyage to www.ckr.com, www.carlsjr.com, and www.hardees.com.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. has established itself as an industry leader, delivering an exceptional dining experience through its two prominent brands: Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®. The news of its newly appointed brand presidents promises an exciting era of innovation, firmly rooted in their ambitious mission to ignite growth and carve new milestones. With a concerted strategic direction, amplified by their intellectual powerhouse leadership, CKE aims not only to extend their legacy but also to redefine what is possible in the world of fast food. This commitment to leadership, innovation, and tradition merges to create a dynamic future path, wherein each brand under the CKE umbrella is set to flourish and captivate the palates of customers worldwide.

In closing, CKE's leadership appointments signify an incredible moment in the company's storied journey. Guided by these unparalleled executives, each brand within the group is destined to experience strategic expansions, crisp executions of business models, and a reinforced commitment to anticipating and satisfying customer cravings. The adroit stewardship of Mike Woida, Chris Bode, and Blake Devillier ensures that the individual identities of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's will continue to thrive, all the while unified under the visionary outlook of CKE. This visionary chapter anticipates market demands, nurtures growth, and pledges continuity in delighting their loyal customers. A trip to Carl's Jr. or Hardee's is not just a meal—it’s an engaging sensory journey into a world where fast food is synonymous with innovation and superiority.

With these purposeful and deliberate executive shake-ups, the future beckons with the promise of reinvention and advancement. It encapsulates an era where Carl's Jr. and Hardee's do not merely coast on their storied reputations but rather break new ground under the wise governance of industry luminaries. Indeed, these appointments are not the conclusion of CKE's story; rather, it is a pivotal new beginning, with infinite tastes to explore and countless celebrations of food ahead. The unwavering commitment to growth, culture, and groundbreaking performance as personified by these new brand presidents heralds a new dawn of dining excellence, one that is sure to tantalize taste buds, embrace innovation, and write yet another chapter in CKE's rich and flavorful history.

At this juncture where the fast-food industry faces constant evolution, driven by consumer desires for unique experiences and quality offerings, CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., through these strategic directional alignments, affirms its position at the forefront. Emphasizing the significance of a dedicated brand-centric strategy has never been more pivotal. The strength derived from integrating the global scope and infrastructure that CKE possesses will be a catalyst for groundbreaking accomplishments and elevate the company’s standing as a paragon in the sector. This announcement from CKE is more than just a corporate restructure—it's a commitment to excellence, a pledge to ingenuity, and a testament to the boundless potential of its brands.

As hunger for innovation and diversification in the fast-food marketplace intensifies, CKE's response showcases a readiness to not only meet but exceed these challenges. The appointments, coupled with the strategic focus on distinct brand management and growth, position CKE ideally for leading the charge in the culinary revolution of the fast-food industry. With deepest roots in tradition and sights set on the horizon, CKE's newest chapter promises to be as flavorful and bold as the offerings from Carl's Jr. and Hardee's—one that patrons everywhere await with eager anticipation.

SOURCE: CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.

For continuous updates and insights into CKE’s brands as they venture forward, food enthusiasts and industry watchers are invited to centralize their attention on the unfolding narrative. Anchored by exemplary leaders, directed by dynamic strategies, and fueled by an unwavering dedication to delighting those they serve, CKE is sure to make headlines with sizzling success stories in the times to come.