Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., has announced that Sally J. Smith has notified the Buffalo Wild Wings Board of Directors of her decision to retire before the end of the year. Smith will continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer until the end of the year or until such time as a successor has been named. The Buffalo Wild Wings Board has initiated a search process and will engage a leading executive search firm to assist in identifying a successor.
Smith has also withdrawn her candidacy for election to the Board in connection with the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and the Board will not be nominating a replacement for Smith. “Sally has delivered countless contributions to Buffalo Wild Wings for more than two decades and much of our success to date is directly attributed to her leadership,” said Jerry R. Rose, Chairman of the Board of Buffalo Wild Wings. “Under her guidance and stewardship, Buffalo Wild Wings has transformed into an industry leader, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure a seamless transition of executive leadership.”
Smith said, “I am proud of Buffalo Wild Wings’ tremendous success. We have made great strides in executing our strategic plan and continuing to innovate to stay ahead of the competition. I will focus on leading Buffalo Wild Wings and driving value-creating change until we are ready to make a smooth transition. I am confident that the company, including its excellent management and Board, are solidly positioned for its next phase of growth and development. I would like to thank the entire team at the home office, in the field and in the restaurants, as well as all of our franchisees, for their hard work and commitment over our more than 20 year history together and look forward to watching the company’s next chapter of growth.”
