A member of the Global Executive Team for the largest operator of independent restaurants in Central and Eastern Europe, responsible for leading the efforts to refranchise the U.S. business. Managing the U.S. Division to develop and grow business, led the initiative to build the corporate infrastructure to support start up and growth, formed the Leadership Team and led the opening of 5 restaurants and 1 franchise location of the new full-service La Tagliatella brand in the U.S. market. Directed the branding process for this well-known European brand, including the adaptation of food, menu design and décor to strengthen consumer response. Leading an international team, also managed the development and launch of da Via, a fast casual concept, in the U.S.

While launching the start-up business of La Tagliatella & da Via was also responsible for leading operations, sales and growth/performance strategies for an 8-state, 103-unit restaurant group generating $240M in revenue. Analyzing business operations and building the Leadership Team to successfully turn the financial results around, including moving the franchise from 19th to 3rd on the Operational Effectiveness Scorecard in less than 2 years. The implementation of a new labor management program and a financial reporting system resulted in year-after-year EBITDA growth.Led the culture transformation to a performance-based environment that focused on credible business relationships, open communication and continuous improvement. At the same time, creating a sales-focused culture resulting in same store sales growth year after year. Also oversaw the marketing strategy creation and execution. As Principal of the US business, was elected to the Franchise Marketing Council, Franchise Business Council and was Chair of the Franchise People Council for the Applebee’s System representing 45 U.S. franchisees.In 2012, led the divestiture of the 103-restaurant division, delivering an above average and above expectation ROI in 4.5 years. Oversaw the due diligence process and managed an aggressive timeline to complete the transaction in 8 months.

Directed an 11-member HRD Leadership Team, an employee relations staff of 35 and 4 field HR Managers to create and manage successful organizational design and performance management strategies to attract and retain top talent. This included oversight of all HRD functions, including compensation, planning, benefits, leadership staffing, employee relations, employee communication, recruitment and retention. Oversaw succession planning for 103 Applebee’s Restaurants and partnered with Legal Counsel to develop and execute employment law training modules for operations partners.

As a member of the Executive Team, led a staff of 12 and created and managed strategies for all HR operations, including oversight of a Support Center for 600 exempt and 8,000 non-exempt employees in 118 restaurants. An active and key member of the Leadership Team for the company’s Chapter 11 reorganization.