Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has appointed Chris Padoan as the chief operating officer (COO) for Popeyes in the US and Canada.

The appointment became effective yesterday (23 March).

In his new post, Padoan will be responsible for overseeing operations across the fast food chain’s US and Canadian network, with an emphasis on restaurant execution, guest experience and support for franchise partners.

Padoan moves into the role after spending almost 15 years with Burger King, where he progressed through a series of field-based leadership positions.

Before joining Burger King, he ran a fast-casual restaurant concept for six years as an owner-operator.

Popeyes US and Canada president Peter Perdue said: “Chris is a highly respected leader who has spent his career working side-by-side with franchisees and restaurant teams.

“His deep operational expertise and strong track record in the field make him the right leader to help us continue improving restaurant execution and delivering a great guest experience across the Popeyes system.”

Perdue was appointed as the new president of Popeyes US and Canada last year.

RBI stated that reinforcing operational standards across Popeyes restaurants remains a central focus as the brand enters its next stage of expansion.

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes now has a footprint of more than 5,000 outlets in the US and internationally.