Popeyes parent company names Joshua Kobza new CEO

Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Burger King and more, appointed Joshua Kobza as CEO, effective March 1, 2023.

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HUDSON, WI/USA - JUNE 7, 2019: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen exterior. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is an American chain of fried chicken fast food restaurants.
HUDSON, WI/USA - JUNE 7, 2019: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen exterior. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is an American chain of fried chicken fast food restaurants.
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Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Burger King and more, appointed Joshua Kobza as CEO, effective March 1, 2023.

Kobza will replace Jose Cil, who will stay on with RBI for one year as an adviser to assist in the transition.

Over the past 11 years, Kobza has held several senior positions at RBI including chief financial officer (2013-2018), chief technology officer and development officer (2018-2019) and chief operating officer (2019-2023). 

Kobza played an integral role in RBI’s acquisition of Tim Hortons in 2014, Popeyes in 2017 and Firehouse Subs in 2021. Popeyes saw sales soar in 2019, jumpstarting the chicken sandwich wars among foodservice competitors. More recently, Burger King launched three new chicken sandwiches: the Mexican Original Chicken Sandwich, Italian Original Chicken Sandwich and American Original Chicken Sandwich.

He will report to RBI executive chairman, Patrick Doyle.

Doyle stated: "Over the past several years, the Board of Directors has worked with management to build a thoughtful succession plan for key positions, so this is a natural transition for Josh to lead our next phase of growth. Personally, I'm motivated to work with and help such a talented person like Josh as he steps into this new leadership position.”

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank José for his unwavering dedication and passion for growing our restaurant brands and for the progress we have made, most recently evidenced by our latest quarterly results. José has been an exceptional partner and friend and he has all of our thanks and support as he becomes a valued strategic advisor to the company.”

Kobza added: “"I am excited to lead the company and work closely with our business presidents to put our franchisees at the center of our success and accelerate the growth we know our brands are capable of.”

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