Wendy’s names new CFO and chief strategy officer

The Wendy’s Company announced that it has made a top-level leadership appointment

Steve Cirulis has been named chief financial officer and chief strategy officer in a move that is effective today. The new CFO will report to Wendy’s President and CEO Bob Wright.

Cirulis succeeds Ken Cook, who will continue to serve in an advisory position through July. Cook has served as CFO since 2024.

“Driving solid financial discipline, topline growth, and enhanced franchisee profitability are essential to our future success,” Wright said. “I am confident that Steve will play a critical role as we execute the turnaround of Wendy’s, driving growth and generating value for our franchisees, employees, and shareholders. With decades of deep experience across large-scale retail and restaurant brands, Steve brings a wealth of expertise across a breadth of disciplines that will benefit our system from day one.”

Wright became CEO and president of Wendy’s on May 21. Cook previously served as interim-CEO of the company following the departure of former president and CEO Kirk Tanner in July 2025.

The new financial executive most recently served as CFO and chief strategy officer for Potbelly Sandwich Works. Prior to Potbelly, Cirulis held senior strategy and finance roles at global restaurant and retail brands, including Panera Bread, McDonald’s, and Gap, Inc., in a career that has spanned 30 years.

“It is an honor to join this iconic brand at such a pivotal time in its history,” said Cirulis. “I believe there is a tremendous opportunity at Wendy’s to drive topline growth, franchisee profitability and improved shareholder value, and I am eager to get to work with our talented employees and franchisees to unlock the potential of our entire system.”

Wright added, “I also want to thank Ken Cook for his contributions to our system. Ken was a steadfast leader at a critical time of change for Wendy’s, and I wish him well in his next chapter beyond Wendy’s.”

Wendy’s Chairman of the Board Art Winkleblack said, “The board is grateful for Ken Cook’s impact on Wendy’s, serving as both CFO and Interim CEO in his tenure. Under his leadership, Wendy’s established the Project Fresh strategy, which was an instrumental start to the brand’s turnaround.”