Atlanta-based fast-food giant Chick-fil-A has named Dan Cathy its new chief executive officer and chairman, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has learned.
Cathy, who has been chief operating officer, replaces his father, Truett Cathy, the chain’s founder and chairman. Truett Cathy will remain at the company as chairman emeritus.
Dan Cathy’s promotion was announced Wednesday internally to company employees, but no formal ceremony or announcement is planned at this time, a company spokesman said.
The company said Truett Cathy, 92, is in good health and that Dan Cathy’s promotion is part of a long-planned succession strategy.
Truett Cathy will focus on other entrepreneurial endeavors, including Truett’s Luau, his newest restaurant concept, which opens in Fayetteville next month, the company said.
In a statement, Truett Cathy said: “Dan is ready to take Chick-fil-A into its next chapter of growth and stewardship. He has been a highly effective leader in the business and shares my commitment of being a faithful steward to all that has been entrusted to us.
“I am deeply grateful for so many things in my life —- for the opportunity to grow one modest restaurant into a chain that provides for the Operators and team members who run them, for the communities they serve and for the bounty that has allowed us to give back through foster homes, scholarships and camps for children,” Truett Cathy said. “I am also grateful for my children and grandchildren who have a love for the family business, and I have the deepest confidence in their commitment to continue graciously running our family business under Dan’s leadership.”
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