Changes at the top of Dairy Queen’s crown
By Canadian Packaging staff
General American Dairy Queen Corporation Berkshire Hathaway Inc. International Dairy Queen Inc. John Gainor Troy BaderTroy Bader to succeed John Gainor as president and chief executive officer of International Dairy Queen, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS—International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ), a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and long-time leader in the quick-service restaurant industry, has announced that effective December 31, 2017, current president and chief executive officer John Gainor will retire, with current chief operating officer Troy Bader (see image above) assuming the dual roles on January 1, 2018.
Gainor joined IDQ in 2003 as chief supply chain officer, promoted president and chief executive officer in 2008.
In his nearly 10 years as IDQ president and chief executive officer, Gainor continued to modernize the iconic 77- year-old brand, focusing on improving the Dairy Queen fan experience in order to drive system sales and profitability resulting in record reinvestment in facilities, as well as continued world-wide new store development.
Berkshire Hathaway chief executive officer and chairman Warren Buffett states, “John has done everything I hoped for—and more—in accelerating IDQ’s growth in the U.S. and internationally. I thank him for both that and for the development of an outstanding successor, Troy Bader.”
IDQ places significant value on the active process of talent development and succession planning. With this in mind, Gainor recommended Bader to assume the role of IDQ president and chief executive officer to Warren Buffett.
Says Gainor, “I have worked with Troy for most of his time at IDQ. His love of the brand, commitment to franchisee success, knowledge of the vendor community and concern for all IDQ employees is evident every day. I am confident he will continue to lead the system toward positive growth and ongoing success.”
Bader currently serves as chief operating officer for IDQ in the U.S. and Canada. He is responsible for leading all IDQ core functions for the U.S. and Canadian businesses, including marketing, operations, franchise development and supply chain as well as various concept evolution initiatives. Bader joined the company in 2001. Prior to accepting the role of chief operating officer in 2011, he served in various executive leadership positions with the company.
“IDQ is a strong company with a history of great leadership,” says Bader. “I am honored to be entrusted to lead IDQ and to continue to represent the iconic Dairy Queen brand. I look forward to working with our world-wide team of dedicated employees, franchisees and vendors to grow the brand even further through the delivery of exceptional products, great service and memorable experiences for our fans throughout the world.”
About IDQ
International Dairy Queen Inc., based in Minneapolis, Minn., is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 6,700 locations in the U.S., Canada and more than 25 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. which is led by legendary investor and chief executive officer Warren Buffett. For more information visit www.DairyQueen.com.
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