Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr parent company names former Papa John’s exec as CEO

CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has appointed Max Wetzel as CEO effective immediately, according to a press release.

Wetzel previously served as COO of Papa John’s International. He succeeds Ned Lyerly.

“The entire CKE team has built an incredible business and accomplished so much over the last several years. I see massive opportunity to build on these accomplishments and accelerate growth of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands,” Wetzel said in the press release.

“We are excited to welcome Max to lead CKE. His proven record leading brands to realize their growth potential is ideally suited for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s as the brands set forth on their next chapter,” Sarah Spiegel, CKE board member, said in the press release.