Leadership Changes at RBI: New Heads for Popeyes and Burger King Announced

Recently, Restaurant Brands International (RBI) made a significant announcement regarding its leadership team, appointed Peter Perdue as the new President of Popeyes for the U.S. and Canada, while Nicolas Henrich steps in as Chief Operating Officer for Burger King in the same regions. These appointments come as part of RBI’s strategy to bolster the operational effectiveness of its renowned brands.

Peter Perdue takes over from Jeff Klein, who is leaving the company after a four-year tenure. Perdue’s journey with RBI spans over 12 years, showcasing his extensive expertise and experience within the company. Previously, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer of Burger King U.S. and Canada, where he played a crucial role in orchestrating the brand’s turnaround strategies under the ‘Reclaim the Flame’ initiative. His vast background includes pivotal roles in operations, franchising, and finance, notably serving as Regional Vice President for Burger King in the Asia Pacific sector.

Josh Kobza, CEO of RBI, remarked, “Popeyes has the best chicken in quick service restaurants, and Peter's mandate is to unlock significant market share gains.” He expressed confidence in Perdue’s leadership abilities, especially given his track record with Burger King.

With Perdue’s appointment, Nicolas Henrich has been elevated from his current role to assume the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer at Burger King. Renowned for his influential leadership and deep understanding of the brand, Henrich has proven to be a trusted figure among franchisees, strengthening the brand and enhancing franchisee profitability. Tom Curtis, President of Burger King, highlighted, “Nico's proven leadership in our brand has earned the trust of our franchisees,” emphasizing Henrich’s significant contributions to operational excellence and long-term growth strategies.

These changes reflect RBI's commitment to strategic leadership and operational efficiency within its major brands, enhancing their competitive edge in the fast-food industry. With more than 32,000 restaurants across over 120 countries and territories, RBI oversees some of the world’s most recognized quick-service brands, including TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®.

Through these appointments, RBI aims to not only maintain its strong market presence but also pursue future growth and innovation within its quick-service restaurant portfolio. The company is dedicated to improving sustainable outcomes regarding food practices, community engagement, and environmental initiatives.

In sum, these executive shifts within RBI are viewed as pivotal, marking a new era for both Popeyes and Burger King as they seek to capitalize on market opportunities and continue delivering exceptional experiences to their customers. The focus on strong leadership coupled with innovative strategies positions RBI favorably for the challenges that lie ahead in the ever-evolving fast-food landscape.