Multi QSR brand parent company Focus Brands today announced that former Hilton Worldwide EVP Jim Holthouser will be the foodservice company's new CEO. He succeeds Steve DeSutter, who is retiring after nearly six years in the role.

Focus Brands is the parent company of Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Schlotzsky's and Seattle's Best Coffee. Holthouser brings more than 30 years of experience in worldwide brand development, concept innovation, franchise management and digital marketing. 

He most recently served as executive vice president of global brands, marketing and loyalty at Hilton Worldwide, where he was responsible for Hilton's portfolio of 13 brands with more than 5,000 hotels in 105 countries and annual revenue of $36 billion. 

"Focus Brands is an outstanding company, recognized globally for its iconic brands, and I am pleased to take on this role at such an exciting time in the company's history," Holthouser said in the release. "I look forward to working with the Focus Brands team, franchisees and suppliers to continue growing our leading foodservices concepts, enhancing our customers' experience and delivering value to all of our partners."

Focus Brands Board Chair Steve Romaniello called Holthouser a "results-oriented leader" with a record of managing multi-branded portfolios. Upon his retirement, DeSutter said he was also confident in his successor's abilities to lead the company.

"I've had the opportunity to get to know Jim and he has impressed me with his passion for the brands, hospitality and franchising," DeSutter said in the release. "While it's always bittersweet to close the door on one chapter, I am very much looking forward to continuing to watch the business grow from my seat in retirement."

Atlanta-based Focus Brands and its affiliate brands encompass more than 6,000 restaurants, cafes, ice cream stores and bakeries in more than 50 countries.

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