Restaurant Brands appoints new COO, Arif Khan

Restaurants Brands New Zealand Limited (RBD) has appointed the former CEO of its New Zealand operations, Arif Khan, as the company’s global COO, effective this week.

Restaurant Brands is a corporate franchisee specialising in handling multi-site branded food retail chains. It operates KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Carl’s Jr brands in New Zealand, the KFC and Taco Bell brands in Australia and California, and the Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands in Hawaii and Guam.

The company describes Khan as a “strategic and commercially-focused people leader” with an extensive history in managing national and international businesses. His strong business acumen, it added, successfully steered the New Zealand operations through the Covid-19 pandemic

Khan has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality and quick-service restaurant industry across franchisor and master franchisee networks.

He also has global experience in leading growth and innovations in large businesses covering places such as Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey and North Africa.

Earlier in his career, he spent several years at RBD and returned to the company in 2018 as CEO to lead the New Zealand operations. Under his leadership, he helped launch Taco Bell in the country in 2019 – including opening 14 locations and the turnaround of Pizza Hut and Carl’s Jr in New Zealand.

Aside from a new global COO, RBD has appointed CPA Julio Valdes as its new CFO, effective June 1 next year. He will take over Grant Ellis, who’s stepping down on May 31.

“We wish to congratulate Arif for his promotion and are thrilled to welcome Julio to RBD,” said José Parés, chairman of the board.

 “We look forward to collaborating with them and the rest of the team as we continue on the path to consolidating our presence in the QSR market in New Zealand, Australia, California, and Hawaii.”

Booktopia appoints Peter George as its new chairman

Peter George has been appointed as the new chairman of the board and non-executive director of pureplay online book retailer Booktopia.

He replaces outgoing chairman Chris Beare who resigned after announcing his intention in September. His departure bookends a turbulent time for the company whose founder Tony Nash was ousted in a boardroom stoush which eventually led to the resignations of most of the board’s directors over several months.

George has extensive experience and background in telecommunications, media and corporate finance. He has been executive chairman of Retail Food Group since 2018, a role he will continue to hold simultaneously.

“Booktopia’s strong market position and loyal customer base mean it has huge potential for further growth,” said George.

The Booktopia board now comprises George, Booktopia co-founder Tony Nash and executive director Steve Traurig.

• By Rakshnna Pattabiraman

L’Oreal India names new managing director 

French beauty giant L’Oreal has announced the appointment of Aseem Kaushik (pictured) as its new managing director for India, according to multiple reports. 

Kaushik, who has worked at L’Oreal India for 27 years, most recently as general manager of the professional products division, acknowledged the news on LinkedIn.

He will succeed Amit Jain, who will retire from day-to-day management of the company and step into the role of chairman for L’Oreal India at the end of this year.

“Amit leaves a strong legacy to follow. India is the next big frontier for the L’Oreal Group, and I am looking forward to bringing the best of beauty and consumer experiences in a new connected world,” Kaushik said, according to Storyboard18, an online publication covering India’s advertising industry. 

Foot Locker announces leadership changes

The New York-based specialty athletic retailer has announced multiple changes to its leadership team to support growth and enhance operational efficiency. 

Frank Bracken has been named executive vice president and chief commercial officer, effective 1 December, and will continue leading Foot Locker’s global retail banners, merchandising, and marketing, as well as digital, loyalty and e-commerce. 

Elliott Rodgers has joined the company as executive vice president and chief operations officer, effective 1 December, and will oversee supply chain, information technology and procurement. 

And Andrew Page will transition out of his role of chief financial officer following the company’s fourth quarter 2022 earnings report to pursue other opportunities. Foot Locker will initiate a comprehensive search, with the assistance of a leading executive recruiting firm, to identify his successor.
 

In addition, Rosalind Reeves, vice president of talent, diversity and organisation capability, has been promoted to executive vice president and chief human resources officer, effective 1 December. She succeeds Elizabeth Norberg, who will remain with the company for a transition period. 

“On behalf of everyone at Foot Locker, I want to thank both Andrew and Elizabeth for their significant contributions to our company and wish them well in their next chapters,” said Mary N. Dillon, Foot Locker’s president and CEO. 

“I am thrilled to partner with both Frank and Elliott – and the rest of our executive team – as we continue advancing Foot Locker’s strategic priorities and creating value for our shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders.”