Robert D. “Bob” Wright: Wendy’s New President and CEO
Wendy’s announced on May 20, 2026, that Robert D. “Bob” Wright will become the fast-food chain’s President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 21. Wright, who most recently served as President and CEO of Potbelly Corporation from 2020 through 2025, will also join Wendy’s Board of Directors.
The appointment ends a nearly year-long CEO search following the departure of Kirk Tanner to the Hershey Company in July 2025. Wright brings extensive quick-service restaurant experience and previously held senior leadership roles at Wendy’s itself, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer from 2013 to 2019.
At Potbelly, Wright led a period of meaningful growth, expanding the brand’s footprint and developing one of the fastest-growing digital platforms in the restaurant industry until the company’s sale to convenience-store retailer RaceTrac. Wright’s primary mandate will be executing Wendy’s “Project Fresh” turnaround strategy to optimize operational performance. He will receive a base salary of $1 million with a 175% bonus target and a $5.5 million equity package.
Source: www.nrn.com