Shake Shack taps Inspire Brands veteran for CCO role
Shake Shack is adding a quick-serve and fast-casual restaurant veteran to its C-suite.
The fast-casual hamburger chain has named Jim Taylor as its new chief commercial officer. In the role, he will lead Shake Shack’s marketing and culinary teams and oversee the brand’s end-to-end revenue and growth strategy.
Taylor brings more than 25 years of general management and marketing experience across the restaurant and CPG industries to Shake Shack. He joins the company from Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, where he spent 11 years.
Most recently, he served as president of Sonic for more than two and a half years. Taylor also served in multiple roles at Arby’s during his tenure at Inspire, including president and chief marketing officer.
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“Jim is a proven leader with a track record of success across some of the most iconic brands in our industry,” said Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake Shack. “He brings unique expertise in building high performing teams, developing thoughtful commercial strategies and executing bold innovation that delivers outsized results for brands while preserving what makes them truly special. I’m thrilled to welcome Jim to Shake Shack as we continue to scale with intention.”
Prior to Inspire Brands, Taylor served as the senior VP of marketing at Darden Restaurants for four years. He began his career at Procter & Gamble, spending nearly 15 years with the company.
“I have been a huge fan of Shake Shack for many years and could not be more excited to work with this talented team to drive the next chapter of growth and build upon our brand’s legacy of culinary-forward high-quality food and warm hospitality,” said Taylor.
Founded in New York City, Shake Shack operates over 660 locations systemwide, including over 420 in 35 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 240 international locations. Last year, the chain said it expected to reach “at least” 1,500 locations over time.
