Wendy's has named former McDonald's executive Tariq Hassan as its new chief marketing and customer growth officer, effective Monday. Hassan, who most recently served as U.S. chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald's, takes over from Lindsay Radkoski, who had overseen U.S. marketing since 2024. CEO Bob Wright called the hire 'another meaningful step in returning Wendy's to profitable growth,' citing Hassan's track record in modernizing marketing, digital, and loyalty. The appointment comes as Wendy's same-store sales have fallen for six straight quarters, with executives blaming over-reliance on one-off promotions and a lack of consistent brand narrative. Wendy's stock was down more than 1% on Monday, though shares are up nearly 7% amid reports that the company's largest shareholder is preparing to take the brand private.
The Wendy’s CoExecutive hire aims to improve marketing and growth, but stock down 1% and same-store sales falling; also private equity interest noted.
McDonald’s Corporation