GoTo Foods, the US-based operator and franchisor of multi-channel foodservice brands, has hired Omer Gajial as its new CEO.
Gajial assumed the new responsibility on 2 December 2025.
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He took over from Jim Holthouser, who is stepping down after almost six years in the top job.
Gajial joins with more than 20 years’ experience in consumer and retail businesses, holding senior posts at several multinational companies.
His most recent role was chief merchandising and digital officer at Albertsons, where he oversaw major programmes in merchandising, digital strategy, marketing, loyalty and retail media across a grocery network of more than 2,000 stores.
Before Albertsons, he held leadership positions at technology and retail groups including Amazon, where he was responsible for category development and marketplace operations in North America.
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By GlobalDataHe also worked at PepsiCo, where he led global strategy and marketing for regions such as the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and North America.
The leadership change follows an active year for GoTo Foods on the international front.
In July 2025, the company announced the international launch of Moe’s Casa Mexicana, described as a reimagined format of Moe’s Southwest Grill.
The concept made its debut in India through master franchise partner Unify Foodworks, which has agreed to open 45 outlets by 2033.
GoTo Foods, previously known as Focus Brands, controls and franchises more than 7,100 restaurants, cafés, ice cream shoppes and bakeries across all 50 US states and in 70 countries and territories.
Its portfolio includes brands such as Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s.
Gajial said: “I am thrilled to join GoTo Foods and lead this incredible family of brands into its next chapter of growth. These brands have a rich legacy of delighting customers worldwide, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team and franchisees to build on that success.
“Together, we will continue to focus on product innovation, enhancing the guest experiences, scaling efficiencies and driving franchise profitability.”
