Wendy's Appoints Steven Cirulis as New Chief Financial and Chief Strategy Officer

The Wendy's Company announced the appointment of Steven W. Cirulis as its new Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, effective June 23, 2026. He succeeds Ken Cook, who will depart the company. This leadership change reunites Cirulis with Wendy's CEO Bob Wright, with whom he previously partnered on a successful turnaround at Potbelly Sandwich Works.

Key Details

• New Appointment: Steven W. Cirulis, formerly CFO & CSO of Potbelly Sandwich Works, will take over the new combined role effective June 23, 2026.
• Executive Departure: Incumbent CFO Ken Cook's employment will be terminated without cause, effective July 31, 2026. He will receive 24 months of salary continuation, an increase from the standard 12 months, in recognition of his service as Interim CEO from July 2025 to May 2026.
• New CFO Compensation: Mr. Cirulis's employment terms include a $675,000 base salary, a target annual bonus of 90% of base salary, and an annualized long-term incentive award with a target value of $1,650,000.