Core Points - Kirk Tanner, President and CEO of Wendy's, is leaving to become the President and CEO of The Hershey Company, effective July 18, 2025 [1] - Ken Cook, the current CFO, has been appointed as Interim CEO while the Board searches for a permanent replacement [2] - The Board expresses confidence in Ken Cook and the senior leadership team to continue executing the company's growth strategy [3] Leadership Changes - Kirk Tanner's departure is acknowledged by the Board, which wishes him well in his new role at Hershey [3] - Ken Cook has a strong background, having spent 20 years at UPS, and has played a significant role in developing Wendy's long-term growth strategy [2] - Bradley G. Peltz has been elected to the Board, replacing Matthew H. Peltz, who resigned to focus on other commitments [3] Strategic Focus - Ken Cook emphasizes the commitment to executing strategic priorities such as providing fresh food, enhancing customer experience, and accelerating global net unit growth [3] - The company is set to release its second quarter 2025 results on August 8, 2025, indicating ongoing transparency and communication with stakeholders [3]

Core Insights - Wendy's has achieved a significant milestone by opening its 500th restaurant in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) region, located in Nagano, Japan [1][2] - The brand is experiencing strong momentum outside the U.S., with recent openings including the 160th restaurant in India and the first of 200 planned restaurants in Australia [2][3] - Wendy's commitment to quality and freshness, along with its ability to tailor menu innovations to regional tastes, distinguishes it in the competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry [3] Company Expansion - The opening of the 500th restaurant in APMEA reflects the brand's growth strategy and the support of franchise partners like Wendy's Japan K.K. [3] - Wendy's Japan K.K. has celebrated the opening of its 75th Wendy's First Kitchen restaurant, contributing to the overall milestone in the region [3] - The company is actively recruiting new franchisees across multiple markets to further enhance its global presence [4] Brand Positioning - Wendy's is recognized as one of the world's iconic QSR brands, known for its made-to-order square hamburgers and a menu that includes premium chicken sandwiches, fries, and the Frosty dessert [3][5] - The brand's focus on exceptional hospitality and modern restaurant experiences caters to evolving customer expectations, reinforcing its market relevance [3] - Wendy's employs hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide, with over 1,300 located outside the United States [5]