CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant chains, announced today the promotion of Eric Williams to Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Williams will manage operations for both the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands.
A longtime member of the CKE team, Williams started his career at Hardee’s as a crew member in 1983 advancing through the ranks with various management positions at both company and franchise operations. Before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Williams served as Executive Vice President, Carl’s Jr. Operations from August 2011 to June 2015 and also as Senior Vice President of Operations from October 2003 to August 2011.
“Eric has been a devoted CKE team player for more than three decades and I am honored to announce his promotion to chief operating officer,” said CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. CEO, Andrew F. Puzder. “Throughout his career with us, Eric has delivered superb leadership and a strong mastery of strategic thinking. Most recently, he played an integral role in turning around our Hardee’s operations via the development and implementation of two key initiatives: ‘Operation QSC’ – processes and procedures that help us operate our restaurants in the most efficient manner – and ‘Six Dollar Service’ – training crew members to exceed our guests’ expectations and provide a pleasant dining experience.”
CKE Restaurants Holdings is a privately held company headquartered in Carpinteria, Calif. Through its subsidiaries, CKE owns and licenses Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service restaurants. CKE operates Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s as one brand under two names acknowledging the regional heritage of both banners. After opening its first restaurants in New York and New Jersey this spring and recent international openings in Canada, Colombia and Guatemala, CKE now has a total of 3,584 franchised or company-operated restaurants in 44 states and 35 foreign countries and U.S. territories.