As Shake Shack strengthens executive team, it lays foundation for a much larger company
Shake Shack has beefed up its executive team with new responsibilities, promotions and an additional Board appointment. Shake Shack strengthens its executive team ahead of quickening the pace of growth for the 200-unit fast-casual chain, according to the company. Andrew McCaughan and Michael Kark have been promoted. Also, Dave Harris joined Shake Shack as chief information officer and Sumaiya Balbale, a digital media, ecommerce and analytics executive, was appointed to Shake Shack’s Board of Directors as a ninth member.
McCaughan is promoted to chief development officer for Shake Shack effective February 28. He has been serving as vice president of Development for Shake Shack, and helped provide a foundation for the company’s expansion in several new markets since the company had just three units. With the strong development team he helped build, Shake Shack taps McCaughan for the overall growth of the chain. He will oversee real estate strategy, design construction and facilities functions. McCaughan joined Shake Shack in 2010 after working for Rick Bayless, a celebrity chef.
Also, Kark is promoted to chief global licensing officer as of February 28. As vice president of Global Licensing at Shake Shack, he engineered international expansion with new partnerships worldwide. Since 2012, Kark launched several new global openings: United Kingdom, Middle East, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Turkey. Prior to joining Shake Shack, he oversaw operations at Chipotle for eight years. As Shake Shack chief global licensing officer, Kark will shepherd international expansion of the Shake Shack concept.
Shake Shack strengthens executive team ahead of quickened expansion
Additionally, Shake Shack appointed Harris as chief information officer. He held a technology leadership position at Newell Brands, a public consumer-goods company. As Shake Shack chief information officer, Harris will oversee all technology functions and initiatives at the burger and shake chain. While at Newell, Harris directed eCommerce and Digital Marketing technology across several brands. Prior to Newell, he led the Global IT function for Yankee Candle and worked in tech leadership at Legends, jetBlue Airways, Avis Rent A Car and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
“We believe the unity that we have built amongst our teams and across the company is a key driver of our ability to deliver a great guest experience and successfully grow our footprint,” said Randy Garutti, Shake Shack chief executive, in the announcement. “Shake Shack is experiencing incredible growth and now more than ever, our leadership teams will be key to our success.”
Meanwhile, Balbale, a previous Walmart and jet.com executive, takes her place as Shake Shack’s ninth Board member and will commence her term with Shake Shack’s Board of Directors effective March 19. Additionally, Shake Shack announced that Jay Livingston had already been named chief marketing officer, charged with leading strategic and innovative marketing at Shake Shack.
Image gallery: Andrew McCaughan, Michael Kark, Shake Shack meal, Jay Livingston
Photo credit: Shake Shack
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