Smashburger Hires Starbucks Veteran to Lead Chain as CEO

Smashburger has a new leader after hiring a former Starbucks executive. Denise Nelsen was appointed as the brand's new chief executive officer.

Humble Beginnings at Starbucks

The new Smashburger CEO's most recent job was at Starbucks, where she served as senior vice president for U.S. operations. She has been with the coffee chain for almost three decades, starting as a barista in a Chicago store in 1997.

Nelsen was quickly promoted to store manager post in the spring of the following year. Her promotions to higher positions continued until her SVP status was reached. She led the world's largest coffeehouse chain and oversaw store operations across the U.S.

Restaurant Business Online reported that she led Starbucks' domestic operations over the last five years. She was also on the front lines of the company's efforts to improve relations with employees since she has a background in human resources.

Plans for Smashburger

With her experience and expertise in the quick-service restaurant industry (QSR), Nelsen is planning new business ventures and pushing Smashburger for growth on the global stage. She is the first woman CEO of this Jollibee Corporation-owned fast-food brand. As the incoming chief, she joined Smashburger in January, so she has been leading the company for a few months.

"We are thrilled to welcome Denise Nelsen as Smashburger's newest CEO," Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group's president and CEO, said in a press release. "With her extensive experience and proven leadership in the food and beverage industry, she is set to propel the brand into a new era of growth."

The CEO added, "Her appointment signifies the Jollibee Group's commitment to excellence and diversity. With all her capabilities and energy, we are confident that she can drive success for Smashburger, thereby contributing to the growth of the Jollibee Group as a whole."

Photo by: Smashburger Press Release