Rob Lynch, president and CEO of Papa John's International, is replacing Randy Garutti as Shake Shack CEO, effective May 20. Garutti, who announced his retirement last year, will serve as brand adviser through the end of the year, said Danny Meyer, Shake Shack founder and chairman of the Board of Directors.

"Randy's commitment to this brand for over 20 years, including during this time of transition, will be an enduring part of Shake Shack's success story," he said in a company press release.

The search for a new leader

The CEO search committee recognized Lynch's track record in leading scaled brands globally while delivering strong results for stakeholders, said Jeff Lawrence, a member of the CEO search committee and an independent board director.

"His deep and demonstrated experience in marketing, data analytics, technology and four-wall economics gives us great confidence that he is the right leader to take Shake Shack to even greater heights," he said in the release. "Above all, the committee found Rob's leadership style and focus on fostering a great workplace culture to be an ideal fit for Shake Shack's cherished people-first hospitality ethos.

During his tenure at Papa Johns, Lynch has driven record global system-wide sales of over $5 billion across its nearly 5,900 nearly units. Also, Pizza Marketplace named him to its 2024 list of Top 25 executives.

"I am very excited to work with this outstanding team to continue to write the inspirational Shake Shack story, and to help it grow into its greatest potential. Shake Shack is special in the restaurant space," Lynch said in the release. "I love the food, the thoughtful Shack designs, and the soul of the brand. As I have learned more about the company, I have also gained tremendous respect for the strong culture that has been an integral part of the Company's success since its founding.

Meyer said Lynch's appointment marks the beginning of the chain's next chapter of growth.

"Rob's deep leadership experience with several well-established global brands will serve us well in executing on our long-term strategic priorities as we enter the next phase of our Company's growth," he said. "Rob's leadership style is also a wonderful fit to advance Shake Shack's culture of Enlightened Hospitality, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team."

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