New finance leader to also identify growth opportunities
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) named Judd Tirnauer EVP and CFO. A 25-year financial executive, Tirnauer most recently worked at Black Angus Steakhouse in Sherman Oaks, Calif. In his career, he has escalating financial and strategic planning experience within the restaurant and retail sectors and has held the role of CFO for at least 10 of those years.
After a restructuring as part of CPK’s Chapter 11 completion, the Los Angeles-based casual-dining chain will look to Tirnauer to help with its ongoing capital strategy, oversee the accounting and finance teams and identify growth opportunities.
[Related article: CPK emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy]
Prior to Black Angus Steakhouse, he worked for Real Mex Restaurants and Wet Seal. Tirnauer also spent 15 years at Destination Maternity Corporation. There, he helped reduce operative expense and improve margins and EBITDA through various effective initiatives.
“With his proven track record in finance with both public and private equity brands, we are confident in Judd’s expertise and ability to lead CPK’s financial strategy and build on the company’s business momentum,” said Jim Hyatt, chief executive of California Pizza Kitchen.
Photo credit: CPK (featured preview image)
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