Buffalo Wild Wings has new leadership overseeing its takeout concept. | Photo by Joe Guszkowski.
Inspire Brands announced several new executives on Wednesday, including a new brand president for Sonic and new chief legal and people officers along with a new head of U.S. development.
As part of the changes, Inspire is bringing in leadership to oversee its takeout-focused Buffalo Wild Wings Go concept.
Tristan Meline was named brand president of Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bars, taking over for the retiring John Bowie. Meline had been the chain’s chief marketing officer and will now oversee the chain’s master brand and its sports bar business.
Leandro Gasparin, meanwhile, was named president of Buffalo Wild Wings Go, which now operates 200 locations. Gasparin had been the chief operating officer with Oakberry and had previously worked with Popeyes and Burger King.
John Dawson was named president of U.S. development and will oversee new restaurant openings, market planning, architecture and design, franchise sales, real estate and construction. He brings 35 years of leadership experience in multi-unit retail to Inspire, including stints at McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Brands.
John Kelly was named president of Sonic. Kelly had spent 25 years with Inspire and its fast-food sandwich brand Arby’s.
John Gill, meanwhile, was named president of Inspire’s company restaurants and had previously overseen corporate locations at Arby’s.
Dawson and Kelly will report to Scott Murphy, Inspire’s chief brand officer. Meline, Gasparin and Gill will report to Dan Lynn, chief commercial and restaurant officer.
Scott Catlett, meanwhile, was named chief legal and administrative officer. He comes to the company from Yum Brands, where he’d been chief legal and franchise officer and corporate secretary.
Kelly McCulloch was named chief people officer. McCulloch is joining the company from Walmart, where she’d been SVP of people.
“At Inspire, we have an unwavering commitment to invest in talent and resources to continue accelerating our momentum,” Paul Brown, Inspire Brands CEO, said in a statement.
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