Jack in the Box taps former CFO as chief executive
Jack in the Box Inc. has made its interim leader its new CEO.
Lance Tucker has been named chief executive of the quick-serve restaurant company, and will also serve on the board of directors. Tucker was named interim principal executive officer in February after the resignation of then CEO Darrin Harris.
Harris spent nearly five years as CEO of Jack in the Box Inc., joining the company in June 2020. His previous experience includes serving as CEO, North America of The Regus Group, and CEO of CiCi’s Pizza.
[READ MORE: Jack in the Box CEO resigns; interim leader named]
Tucker has served as Jack in the Box’s financial chief since Jan. 13, 2025, and previously served in this same role at the company from March 2018 to September 2020.
A restaurant industry veteran with more than 20 years of corporate finance experience, Tucker was the chief financial officer of CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent company of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s brands, from September 2020 until January 2022.
“Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well as a financial mind into the CEO role that is well-timed to match with the company's current priorities," said Dave Goebel, Jack in the Box chairman of the board. "We are confident that Lance will position our company to perform at high levels, and drive returns that shareholders expect from our iconic brands and profitable business model."
Dawn Hooper will continue to serve as interim principal financial officer until a permanent CFO is named. Tucker will assume permanent CEO duties immediately.
“I am thrilled to have the confidence of the Board, as well as our talented leadership team, to lean on the many strong fundamentals already in place to help restore Jack in the Box as a shareholder success story,” said Tucker. “While there are many priorities to address quickly – including capital allocation, free cash flow acceleration and returning the business to an asset light model – I know our talented corporate team and dedicated franchise operators will work together to position our brands for a very successful future.”
Founded and headquartered in San Diego, Jack in the Box Inc. operates approximately 2,200 Jack in the Box restaurants across 22 states, and approximately 600 Del Taco restaurants across 17 states.
