Applebee's Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Applebee's has 7 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, brand marketing, financial operations, and regional market management.

Committed to delivering quality American cuisine in a welcoming environment, Applebee's prioritizes guest satisfaction and consistent operational excellence across all domestic and international dining locations.

Leadership Roles at Applebee's

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Charlene Schwartz
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Barry Lategan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Joice Falcato
  • Market President - Mark Wilkerson
  • Market President - Keith Vedral
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Joel Yashinsky
  • Team Captain - John Nassrat
  • Charlene Schwartz - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Charlene Schwartz, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Applebee's, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the casual dining chain. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between menu innovation and guest expectations across the United States. This role involves managing complex supply chain logistics to maintain food quality standards while driving profitability in a competitive hospitality market. By fostering a culture of operational efficiency, Charlene Schwartz directly impacts the long-term growth trajectory of the brand. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to refine expansion goals, ensuring the restaurant chain remains a staple in the American dining landscape. Through rigorous oversight of daily business functions, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and market relevance of the organization, consistently delivering value to stakeholders while maintaining the casual, family-friendly atmosphere central to the company identity.

    Barry Lategan - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Barry Lategan, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Applebee's, architects the foundational vision and long-term strategic direction for the restaurant chain. Focusing on the preservation of core brand values, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer guides the organization through evolving market trends in the casual dining sector. This leadership position involves evaluating high-level performance metrics to ensure the company maintains a strong competitive edge across international markets. Barry Lategan drives initiatives that enhance the guest experience, balancing traditional menu offerings with modern culinary demands. By maintaining a deep connection to the original mission of providing quality American cuisine, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer influences corporate culture and operational standards. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer collaborates with senior leadership to identify growth opportunities, ensuring the brand remains a leader in the hospitality industry. Through consistent focus on excellence, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer sustains the legacy and future viability of the entire restaurant network.

    Joice Falcato - Chief Financial Officer

    Joice Falcato, the Chief Financial Officer at Applebee's, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the restaurant chain. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and investment planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the organization maintains a robust balance sheet to support ongoing operations. This role involves monitoring cost structures across the supply chain to maximize profitability in the competitive hospitality sector. By providing critical financial insights to the executive team, Joice Falcato enables informed decision-making regarding expansion and operational improvements. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with external auditors and stakeholders to ensure transparency and compliance with industry regulations. Through the rigorous management of cash flow and capital expenditures, the Chief Financial Officer drives the financial stability required for long-term growth. Joice Falcato maintains a focus on efficiency, ensuring that every financial resource aligns with the strategic goals of the company, thereby securing the economic future of the entire restaurant network.

    Mark Wilkerson - Market President

    Mark Wilkerson, the Market President at Applebee's, directs the operational performance and growth initiatives for the restaurant chain within the Western region. Overseeing a portfolio of locations, the Market President ensures that each restaurant adheres to corporate standards for food quality and service excellence. This role involves analyzing regional market trends to adapt operational strategies and capture local demand. By managing regional budgets and personnel development, Mark Wilkerson drives profitability and efficiency across the assigned territory. The Market President collaborates with corporate leadership to align regional activities with the national brand strategy. Through the implementation of localized marketing and operational adjustments, the Market President enhances the competitive standing of the company in the Western market. Mark Wilkerson focuses on scaling operations and improving guest retention, ensuring that the regional footprint contributes significantly to the overall success of the organization. The Market President maintains a constant focus on operational consistency and regional market growth.

    Keith Vedral - Market President

    Keith Vedral, the Market President at Applebee's, directs the strategic development and operational oversight for the restaurant chain within the Eastern region. Overseeing the performance of multiple locations, the Market President ensures that service delivery and food quality meet the rigorous standards of the brand. This role involves identifying opportunities for market penetration and optimizing the performance of existing units through targeted operational improvements. By managing regional teams and resources, Keith Vedral drives revenue growth and operational efficiency across the Eastern territory. The Market President coordinates with corporate departments to ensure that regional initiatives support the broader mission of the company. Through the analysis of regional consumer behavior, the Market President tailors service approaches to maximize guest satisfaction and loyalty. Keith Vedral focuses on building a high-performing regional organization that consistently delivers on the promise of quality casual dining. The Market President secures the market position of the brand by fostering excellence in every location.

    Joel Yashinsky - Chief Marketing Officer

    Joel Yashinsky, the Chief Marketing Officer at Applebee's, directs all brand positioning and consumer engagement strategies for the casual dining chain. Overseeing national advertising campaigns and digital outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures the brand resonates with diverse guest demographics across the United States. This role involves analyzing market data to optimize promotional efforts and drive foot traffic to restaurant locations. By crafting compelling narratives around the menu and dining experience, Joel Yashinsky strengthens the market presence of the company. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with regional teams to tailor messaging that reflects local preferences while maintaining a unified brand identity. Through the implementation of data-driven marketing tactics, the Chief Marketing Officer increases brand loyalty and supports revenue growth. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the position of the restaurant chain as a preferred destination for casual dining, ensuring that every marketing dollar contributes to the overall success and visibility of the organization.
    Joel Yashinsky

    John Nassrat - Team Captain

    John Nassrat, the Team Captain at Applebee's, directs the operational execution and staff performance standards within the restaurant environment. Overseeing the daily coordination of service teams, the Team Captain ensures that every guest receives high-quality service consistent with the brand mission. This role involves training personnel on operational protocols and maintaining a positive, efficient workplace culture. By monitoring service speed and food delivery accuracy, John Nassrat directly impacts the overall guest satisfaction metrics. The Team Captain collaborates with management to implement process improvements that streamline kitchen and front-of-house workflows. Through the active supervision of staff, the Team Captain fosters a high-performance environment that supports the broader business objectives of the company. John Nassrat ensures that operational excellence remains a priority, driving consistency across shifts and locations. By focusing on the human element of the hospitality business, the Team Captain secures the reputation of the restaurant as a premier casual dining destination.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Applebee's Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Applebee's?
    Applebee's is led by Charlene Schwartz (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Barry Lategan (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and Joice Falcato (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Applebee's’s executive team?
    The executive team of Applebee's includes leaders such as Charlene Schwartz (President & Chief Executive Officer), Barry Lategan (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Joice Falcato (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Applebee's have?
    Applebee's has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Applebee's’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Applebee's includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Market President, Market President.