Longtime executive transitions to an advisory role, appoints successor to lead continued growth and innovation
After nearly two decades of leadership within the company, Ballard Brands President and CEO Peter J. Boylan III will retire, effective April 2025. David Mesa, currently executive vice president and chief development officer, will serve as the hospitality and food service company’s President of the Franchise Division, overseeing the continued growth of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and WOW American Eats.
Boylan will continue to provide counsel to Ballard Brands as an advisor. Boylan joined Ballard Brands’ Board of Advisors in 2009 before assuming the role of chief development officer in 2010. As president and CEO from 2016 onwards, he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term success. Under his leadership, the company transformed its organizational culture by prioritizing performance, accountability, recognition and goal achievement. This vision fueled its expansion into 26 states and international markets while achieving double-digit unit and revenue growth. Boylan also spearheaded Ballard Brands’ entry into nontraditional channels, including healthcare facilities, airports, military bases and government agencies, developing sales and operational strategies that strengthened the company’s market position.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard provided me to work for and with them to grow their companies and brands,” said Boylan. “We accomplished much, and I look forward to continuing to hear about all their future accomplishments and growth. It was truly a team effort, and I know the team will continue to perform well under the leadership of David Mesa. David is the right leader to continue driving growth within the franchise division. His deep understanding of franchising, strategic mindset and dedication to our brands make him the ideal choice to guide the team into the future.”
Mesa, a Louisiana native who has been with Ballard Brands for over eight years, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Throughout his career, Mesa has demonstrated expertise in franchise development and operational strategy. Before joining Ballard Brands, he played a crucial role in expanding Planet Beach Franchising Corporation from 60 to over 350 locations as president of franchise operations. He also held a leadership role in business operations at Allegis Group, the largest privately held staffing company in the U.S. Mesa’s leadership extends beyond business, having served eight years in the United States Marine Corps.
“I’m honored to take on this role and continue building on the strong foundation that Peter helped establish,” said Mesa. “Ballard Brands has an exciting future ahead, and I look forward to working with our incredible team and franchise partners to expand our reach, strengthen our brands and create new opportunities for success.”
Mesa’s contributions to the franchise industry have been widely recognized. He earned the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the International Franchise Association in 2005 and remains active as a member of the Franchisor Forum and Membership Committees. Additionally, in 2018, Mesa was appointed to the Louisiana District Export Council by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
Ballard Brands is a privately held hospitality and food service company formed by brothers Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard to deliver their New Orleans passion for eating, drinking and living to the world. After achieving success as franchisees for PJ’s Coffee, the brothers reunited in their home state to expand their footprint and open the first WOW Cafe (now WOW American Eats) in 2001. Ballard Brands acquired PJ’s Coffee in 2008, growing the brand known for better beans, superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffee-making to over 180 locations with more in the pipeline.