Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> July 15, 2002
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
how you see the company today?
Mr. Schuessler: We have three major brands: Wendy's Old-Fashioned
Hamburgers Restaurants,
