Wendy's CFO Steps Up as Interim CEO as Kirk Tanner Departs for Hershey

DUBLIN, Ohio — The Wendy's Company announced that Kirk Tanner, president and chief executive officer, has left the company and accepted the role of president and CEO at The Hershey Company. The Wendy's board of directors has appointed Ken Cook, chief financial officer of the company, as interim CEO while it launches a search process to select a permanent CEO. 

Tanner was appointed Wendy's president and CEO in February 2024, following the departure of Todd Penegor, who became president and CEO of Papa John's Pizza.

Cook, who remains CFO, has played a major role in developing Wendy's long-term growth strategy, according to the company. Prior to joining Wendy's, Cook spent 20 years at UPS, most recently as head of financial planning and analysis.

"Our senior leadership team has established a very clear strategic blueprint for growth and is already beginning to execute on this strategy," said Art Winkleblack, chairman of the Wendy's board. "We are grateful to Ken for accepting the role of interim CEO and have the utmost confidence in him and the senior leadership team to lead the company and to continue to execute on our growth plan."

Cook said, "I look forward to executing on the strategic priorities we shared at our Investor Day: providing fresh, famous food, delivering an exceptional customer experience and accelerating global net unit growth. We have a strong team and the right strategy in place to create value for our customers, franchisees, employees and shareholders."

Winkleblack added, "We understand Kirk's decision to return to the consumer-packaged goods industry and wish him well in leading Hershey."

Tanner said, "It has been a privilege to lead Wendy's, an iconic brand, and I leave with a sense of gratitude for our employees and franchisees who make the company a truly special place. The brand is of the highest quality in the quick service restaurant industry, and I believe there is tremendous growth potential ahead for all Wendy's stakeholders."

Wendy's also announced that Bradley G. Peltz, managing director of Yellow Cab Holdings, a Wendy's franchisee with restaurants in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has been elected as a director of the company and will replace Matthew H. Peltz, who has resigned from the board to devote time to other commitments.

"We are grateful to Matt for his many contributions to Wendy's over the years," said Winkleblack. "We have made tremendous progress as a brand since Matt joined the board, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We are excited to have Brad join our board. His creativity and connection to our customers and franchise community will provide valuable insights to Wendy's."