Wendy's Appoints Steve Cirulis as CFO After Leading 500% Potbelly Turnaround
WEN•Steve Cirulis joins The Wendy's Company as CFO and Chief Strategy Officer effective June 23, succeeding Ken Cook, who will advise through July. He brings nearly 30 years of finance and strategy experience, highlighted by leading Potbelly's turnaround with over 500% share price gains and double-digit unit volume growth.
1. Leadership Transition at Wendy's
The Wendy’s Company named Steve Cirulis Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer effective June 23. He succeeds Ken Cook, who will stay on in an advisory capacity through July to ensure a seamless handover.
2. Cirulis' Proven Track Record
Cirulis most recently served as CFO and Chief Strategy Officer at Potbelly Sandwich Works, where he partnered with Bob Wright to orchestrate a turnaround that yielded over 500% share price appreciation, double-digit average unit volume growth, substantial margin expansion and improved return on invested capital.
3. Strategic Outlook
With nearly 30 years of finance and strategy leadership across brands such as Panera Bread, McDonald’s and Gap Inc., Cirulis is expected to strengthen financial discipline, drive topline growth and enhance franchisee profitability as Wendy’s advances its systemwide turnaround.
