Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. parent names Eric Williams COO

CKE Restaurant Holdings Inc., the parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., Monday announced the promotion of Eric Williams to COO. In his new role, Williams, who until last month held the position of executive vice president of operations at Carl’s Jr., will manage operations for both the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. chains.

Williams has held a variety of positions within CKE Restaurant Holdings, beginning his tenure as a Hardee’s team member in 1983. Before taking on the executive vice president role in 2011, he served as a senior vice president of operations for Carl’s Jr. for close to eight years.

“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,” CKE Restaurant Holdings CEO Andrew Puzder said in a statement. “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.”

Carpinteria, Calif.-based CKE Restaurant Holdings, a subsidiary of Roark Capital Group, operates more than 3,580 Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurants worldwide, 87 percent of which are franchised.

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