Bojangles’ CEO Clifton Rutledge resigned today, citing personal reasons. The quick-service chicken and biscuit chain has named James “Randy” Kibler interim president and CEO.
The move comes one day before Bojangles’ is slated to report its 2017 earnings.
Kibler has been on Bojangles’ Board of Directors since 2011 and served as a non-executive chairman from 2014 to 2016. He served as president, CEO and director of Bojangles’ Restaurants, the chain’s subsidiary, from 2007 to 2014.
Bojangles’ Board of Directors will immediately begin the search for a permanent leader for the brand.
“We appreciate Randy stepping into these roles on a temporary basis,” William Kussell, director and non-executive chairman of the board, said in a statement. “The Board is fully confident in his ability to lead the Bojangles’ team until we can complete the process of identifying a suitable replacement. Randy possesses extensive management experience in the casual-dining and quick-service restaurant sectors, franchisee expertise, and a deep understanding of operations. Additionally, his familiarity and leadership as our previous President and CEO is ideal for ensuring a smooth and orderly transition during this interim period.”
Rutledge, who has spent 40 years in the restaurant industry, served as president and CEO of Bojangles’ for the past four years. “I have enjoyed being a part of growing the brand’s footprint throughout the Southeast,” he said in a statement.
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