Dairy Queen names successor for retiring CEO
John Gainor is stepping down as President and CEO of International Dairy Queen Inc. at the end of the year, the company has announced.
He will be succeeded by Chief Operating Officer Troy Bader, as of 1 January 2018.
Gainor recommended Bader to assume the role of IDQ President and CEO to Warren Buffett.
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In a statement, he said: “I have worked with Troy for most of his time at IDQ. His love of the brand, commitment to franchisee success, knowledge of the vendor community and concern for all IDQ employees is evident every day. I am confident he will continue to lead the system toward positive growth and ongoing success.”
Gainor took over as Dairy Queen’s CEO in 2008, as the company pushed to broaden its food offerings and remodelled its stores.
He first joined the company in 2003 as Chief Supply Chain Officer and under his leadership, the company has focused on improving the Dairy Queen fan experience in order to drive system sales and profitability.
“IDQ is a strong company with a history of great leadership,” said Bader. “I am honoured to be entrusted to lead IDQ and to continue to represent the iconic Dairy Queen brand. I look forward to working with our worldwide team of dedicated employees, franchisees and vendors to grow the brand even further through the delivery of exceptional products, great service and memorable experiences for our fans throughout the world.”
The 77-year-old company will now be lead by Bader who currently is responsible for Dairy Queen’s operations in the US and Canada as Chief Operations Officer
Dairy Queen is owned by Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate and has plans for extensive froth in North Texas, the company said.
Berkshire Hathaway Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Warren Buffett stated, “John has done everything I hoped for – and more – in accelerating IDQ’s growth in the U.S. and internationally. I thank him for both that and for the development of an outstanding successor, Troy Bader.
