Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> August 20, 2001

Jack Schuessler – Wendy’s International Inc (wen)

JACK SCHUESSLER, Chairman and CEO of Wendy's International, Inc., started his career with Wendy's more than 25 years ago and has worked his way through the operations ranks from single-store management to responsibility for citywide, statewide and regional leadership of both company and franchise businesses. He was promoted to CEO in March 2000 from President and Chief Operating Officer, US operations. Mr. Schuessler was named Chairman of the Board in May 2001, and has been a member of Wendy's Board of Directors since January 2000. He began his career with Wendy's in 1974 as a Manager Trainee for a Wendy's franchisee in Atlanta. When the franchisee's restaurants were acquired in 1976, he joined Wendy's International. He was promoted through the Wendy's organization, holding the positions of District Manager, Director of Area Operations and Regional Director in various markets throughout the country. In 1983, Mr. Schuessler was promoted to Division Vice President of Wendy's eastern division, then in 1987 was promoted to Senior Vice President of the northeast region. He held that position until February 1995 when he was named Executive Vice President, US operations. In February 1997, Mr. Schuessler assumed responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Wendy's US restaurants when he was named President and Chief Operating Officer, US operations. In December 1999, he assumed responsibility for Wendy's of Canada. Mr. Schuessler has received numerous operator awards from the company, and in 1995 he was inducted into the Wendy's Hall of Fame. Since 1997, he has been a trustee of Wendy's National Advertising Program (WNAP), a group appointed by Wendy's franchisees to provide strategic marketing counsel to the company. Mr. Schuessler has been involved in Wendy's corporate affairs efforts as Chairman of Wendy's internal government relations task force. He is a founding member of the Employment Roundtable, an industry group comprised of top officers of restaurant companies interested in influencing legislative efforts on a national basis. Mr. Schuessler received a Bachelor of Science degree from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. Profile
TWST: Could we begin with a brief overview of the company and a

historical sketch of Wendy's International?

Mr. Schuessler: We're made up of two brands, Wendy's and also Tim

Hortons. Wendy's