Fast food restaurant chain Wendy’s has appointed Kirk Tanner as its next CEO and president, effective February 5. 

Tanner will succeed Todd Penegor, who will leave the company and the board in February after more than a decade of top leadership. Tanner has also been elected to the Wendy’s board of directors.

“Kirk is a proven operational leader whose customer-centric mindset and broad experience positioning and growing some of the most well-known global brands make him the ideal candidate to lead Wendy’s into its next phase of growth and expansion,” said Nelson Peltz, chairman of the Wendy’s board. 

Tanner, who was previously CEO of PepsiCo’s North American Beverages division, brings more than 30 years of experience in beverages, snacks and food service to Wendy’s. 

During his career at PepsiCo, he led the $26+ billion business unit and drove its operational excellence, revenue growth, product launches, and expansion into new markets. 

Prior to his current position, Tanner led PepsiCo’s Global Foodservice division, where he grew the company’s presence in food service through strategic partnerships, new product lines, and arrangements with major sports leagues and restaurants.