CHICAGO, July 24, 2025 — In a rare instance of a supply-chain veteran rising into the top management ranks of a major restaurant chain, Wendy’s supply chain co-op CEO Pete Suerken has been appointed President of the No. 2 burger concept’s U.S. operations.
He succeeds Abigail Pringle, who will exit the company to pursue other opportunities after helping Suerken transition into his new job.
Suerken had been CEO and President of the Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Co-op (QSCC) for the last five years. Earlier, he served as President of Resin Supply Co., a packaging and packaging-materials supplier. He spent 13 years before that with Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions, the purchasing co-operative for Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC parent Yum! Brands.
In his new role, Suerken will focus on restaurant-level profitability, accelerated expansion, and operational excellence, according to Ken Cook, acting CEO of The Wendy’s Co.
The company did not reveal whether Suerken is a candidate to succeed Cook as permanent CEO of the international chain. The position was vacated about two weeks ago by the resignation of Kirk Tanner, who is leaving to become CEO and President of The Hershey Co.
Pringle had been President of Wendy’s U.S.A. for 14 months. She spent the prior 22 years in various high-level positions for the burger chain, including President of international operations and Chief Development Officer.
Wendy’s franchises or operates more than 5,900 quick-service restaurants within the U.S.
Supply-chain and purchasing executives have been appointed to the top management posts of major restaurant chains far less frequently than individuals who came up through disciplines like finance, marketing, and operations.
As Managing Editor for IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, Romeo is responsible for generating the group's news and feature content. He brings more than 40 years of experience in covering restaurants to the position.