The Wendy’s Company (Nasdaq: WEN) has announced the appointment of Ken Cook as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective December 2, 2024. Cook will report directly to President and CEO Kirk Tanner and will be part of the Wendy’s Senior Leadership Team. He takes over from Gunther Plosch, who has served as CFO since 2016 and will leave the company at the end of the year after assisting with the transition.
Cook comes to Wendy’s from United Parcel Service (UPS), where he was Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. He brings 20 years of experience in finance, having held various roles with increasing responsibilities. At UPS, Cook was also the CFO for the U.S. Domestic segment, overseeing financial planning for the company’s largest business unit. Additionally, he has held leadership positions in Investor Relations and Treasury, as well as serving as CFO for UPS’s South Asia operations for over three years.
Kirk Tanner expressed confidence in Cook’s abilities, stating, “Driving operational performance and improving restaurant profitability are critical to our growth trajectory. Ken will play a key role in our initiatives to increase revenue and expand margins as we enter the next phase of growth in the U.S. and globally.”
Cook shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Finance organization at Wendy’s as this iconic brand embarks on an accelerated growth journey. I look forward to working with the talented Wendy’s team and franchise community to drive profitable growth for our restaurants, teams, and shareholders.”
The Wendy’s Company plans to release its fourth-quarter and full-year results for 2024 on February 13, 2025. The company will also host an Investor Day on March 5, 2025.
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