PR Newswire·Jun 23, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

THE WENDY'S COMPANY NAMES STEVE CIRULIS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

Steve Cirulis was appointed Chief Financial Officer & Chief Strategy Officer at The Wendy's Company effective June 23, 2026.
Cirulis will report to President & CEO Bob Wright & serve on the Wendy's Senior Leadership Team.
Cirulis succeeds Ken Cook, who served as CFO since 2024 & will remain in an advisory position through July to facilitate transition.
Cirulis previously served as CFO & Chief Strategy Officer at Potbelly Sandwich Works, where he collaborated with Bob Wright on a turnaround.
During his tenure at Potbelly, the company saw over 500% share price growth, double-digit average unit volume growth, margin expansion, & improved return on invested capital.
Cirulis holds nearly 30 years of experience in senior strategy & finance roles at brands including Panera Bread, McDonald's, & Gap, Inc.
CEO Bob Wright stated Cirulis will drive financial discipline, topline growth, & enhanced franchisee profitability.
Cirulis expressed honor at joining Wendy's to drive growth, franchisee profitability, & shareholder value.
Chairman Art Winkleblack thanked Ken Cook for his contributions, including establishing the Project Fresh strategy.
The press release includes standard forward-looking statements regarding future performance & growth risks.
The Wendy's Company operates over 7,000 restaurants worldwide & employs hundreds of thousands of people.