Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> October 8, 2001

Richard Herzer – Ihop Corporation (ihp)

RICHARD K. HERZER began his 25-year executive career with IHOP Corp. in 1967, rose through the executive ranks and was named President and Director in 1979. He was named Chairman and CEO in 1983. Mr. Herzer started with the company as Vice President and Controller of a wholly owned subsidiary of IHOP's corporate predecessor, International Industries, Inc. In 1987, he negotiated a management-led leveraged buyout of IHOP Corp. This allowed management to operate IHOP as an independent company, investing in new restaurants, remodeling existing ones, and expanding the chain into a highly successful operation. In July 1991, IHOP Corp. had an initial public offering and is currently traded on the NASDAQ National Market. He is a former Trustee of the Southern California Multiple Sclerosis Society, a Director of the Glendale (California) Memorial Health Association and a Director of the California Restaurant Association. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA in Finance and served as an Officer in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1956. Profile
TWST: We'd like to begin with a brief historical sketch of the company

and then a picture of what you're doing now.

Mr. Herzer: Forty-two years ago we started with one restaurant in