Dive Brief:
- EG Group has appointed Roland Smith as its next chairman of the board, the company announced on Monday.
- Smith, who also took on the new role Monday, succeeds Stewart Rose, who is moving into a non-executive director role. Rose chaired the board for the past five years.
- Smith brings experience from multiple companies in the food and retail industry, including stints at Office Depot, Wendy’s and Arby’s, according to the announcement.
Dive Insight:
The shift from British businessman Rose to Roland is another move orienting the company towards the U.S. In the past year, EG Group named former CFO Russell Colaco as its new CEO, then handed him the reins to EG America a week later. During the summer, the company agreed to sell its Italian and Australian businesses and announced it would move its global HQ from the U.K. to Charlotte, North Carolina. EG Group had already sold most of its U.K. and Ireland business in 2023.
EG America has also been improving operations at U.S. stores, between launching tech upgrades, adding online ordering and delivery, revamping its loyalty program and boosting its foodservice offerings.
Smith currently serves as chairman of regional QSR Jack’s Family Restaurants and a director on the board of Tropical Smoothie Cafe. He’s served as CEO of a variety of well-known dining and retail companies over the past 25 years, including Home Depot, grocer Delhaize America, Wendy’s, AMF Bowling and Arby’s, according to his LinkedIn bio.
"Roland is a highly respected and experienced executive with deep consumer industry and boardroom experience,” said Colaco. “Attracting an industry leader of Roland’s calibre and expertise will strengthen our Board as we execute on our growth strategy across convenience retail, foodservice and fuel offerings.”
