Wingstop executive Stacy Peterson has been named CEO of the growing Columbus, Ohio-based Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.
Peterson earlier this month announced her resignation from Wingstop, where she is executive vice president, chief revenue and technology officer. She steps down from that role officially on Dec. 2.
Stacy Peterson/Photo: Jason Kindig.
At Jeni’s, Peterson will replace outgoing CEO John Lowe, who earlier this year announced plans to retire after 13 years with the brand. Lowe said he planned to remain on the board.
“I’m so excited to have Stacy lead our team,” Lowe said in a statement. “The company will benefit from her thoughtful approach and deep expertise in fast growth brands. She loves helping people succeed and I’m excited to see her coach and mentor the 1,800 members of Team Jeni’s. I know her leadership will help ensure we are a force for good for years to come.”
Jeni’s was founded in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning ice cream maker Jeni Britton. A Certified B Corp., Jeni’s has nearly 70 scoop shops nationwide, and the brand is sold in grocery stores and online.
Peterson described herself as a “raving fan” of the Jeni’s brand for years. Favorite flavor: Wildberry Lavender. She and her family plan to relocate to Columbus next year.
In her nine years at Wingstop, she helped grow the wings chain from 550 units to more than 1,900, leading that chain’s digital and marketing transformation that propelled it through the pandemic.
“What Jeni created, with quality as the company’s North Star and a tremendous focus on customer experience and a team commitment to be a force for good, will continue to be what differentiates this company from our competition,” Peterson said in a statement.
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