Applebee's Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to delivering quality American cuisine in a family-friendly environment, Applebee's drives consistent growth through a focus on casual dining excellence and broad international market expansion.

Leadership Roles at Applebee's

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

    Barry Lategan, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Applebee's, directs the overarching vision and long-term strategic trajectory for the casual dining chain. Lategan architects the foundational business model, ensuring the brand maintains a competitive edge within the hospitality sector. By aligning corporate objectives with guest expectations, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of quality and consistency across all locations. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to refine the American cuisine offerings. Barry Lategan maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence, driving the company toward sustainable growth. Through direct oversight of high-level initiatives, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer secures the brand's position as a leader in the restaurant industry. Lategan prioritizes innovation in service delivery, ensuring the dining experience remains accessible and welcoming for families throughout the United States and international markets.

    Charlene Schwartz - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Charlene Schwartz, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Applebee's, manages daily operations and executes the tactical implementation of corporate strategy. Schwartz oversees the integration of menu development with supply chain efficiency to optimize restaurant performance. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Schwartz coordinates with department heads to streamline workflows and enhance guest satisfaction metrics. This role requires constant monitoring of regional performance data to ensure alignment with national quality benchmarks. Charlene Schwartz drives operational improvements that support the company's mission of providing a superior casual dining experience. By fostering collaboration across the organization, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of service. Schwartz focuses on scaling operational capacity to meet demand in diverse markets, ensuring that every location reflects the core values of the brand while maintaining profitability and operational excellence.

    Charles Galloway - Chief Financial Officer

    Charles Galloway, the Chief Financial Officer at Applebee's, directs all fiscal planning, capital allocation, and financial reporting processes. Galloway architects the budgetary framework that supports expansion initiatives and operational investments across the restaurant chain. As the Chief Financial Officer, Galloway monitors revenue streams and cost structures to ensure long-term financial stability. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to inform strategic decisions regarding asset management and resource distribution. Charles Galloway maintains transparency with stakeholders while driving efficiency in procurement and overhead management. By optimizing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer enables the company to pursue growth opportunities in both domestic and international territories. Galloway ensures that all fiscal activities align with the broader mission of delivering quality dining experiences, providing the necessary economic foundation for the brand to thrive in a competitive hospitality landscape.
    Charles Galloway

    Keith Vedral - Market President

    Keith Vedral, the Market President at Applebee's, directs regional operations and ensures consistent service delivery across a designated portfolio of restaurant locations. Vedral architects localized strategies to improve guest satisfaction and operational efficiency within the assigned territory. As the Market President, Vedral oversees the performance of district managers and restaurant teams, focusing on staff development and quality control. This leadership role involves implementing corporate initiatives at the ground level to drive revenue growth and maintain brand standards. Keith Vedral monitors regional market trends to adapt service models to local preferences. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Market President ensures that every guest receives a high-quality dining experience. Vedral manages the operational scale of the region, coordinating with corporate leadership to align local outcomes with the broader mission of the company, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the restaurant chain.

    Mark Wilkerson - Market President

    Mark Wilkerson, the Market President at Applebee's, directs supply chain logistics and inventory management for a specific geographic cluster of restaurants. Wilkerson architects systems to optimize food costs and reduce waste, ensuring that each location maintains profitability while serving high-quality meals. As the Market President, Wilkerson oversees the procurement process and vendor relationships to guarantee the availability of fresh ingredients. This leadership role involves analyzing regional supply data to forecast demand and adjust inventory levels accordingly. Mark Wilkerson collaborates with restaurant managers to streamline kitchen operations and improve food preparation efficiency. By focusing on the logistical backbone of the business, the Market President supports the company's mission of delivering consistent dining experiences. Wilkerson ensures that operational resources are allocated effectively, driving performance improvements that bolster the brand's competitive position within the casual dining industry across the assigned market territory.

    Joel Yashinsky - Chief Marketing Officer

    Joel Yashinsky, the Chief Marketing Officer at Applebee's, directs brand positioning, advertising campaigns, and consumer engagement strategies. Yashinsky architects the promotional narrative that highlights the diverse menu and family-friendly atmosphere of the restaurant chain. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Yashinsky oversees digital marketing initiatives and local store outreach to drive traffic and increase brand loyalty. This role involves analyzing consumer behavior to tailor messaging that resonates with a wide range of guests. Joel Yashinsky collaborates with operations teams to ensure that marketing promises align with the actual dining experience provided in restaurants. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the brand across North American and international markets. Yashinsky focuses on maintaining a strong market presence, ensuring that the company remains a top choice for casual dining through effective communication and strategic brand development.
    Joel Yashinsky

    John Nassrat - Team Captain

    John Nassrat, the Team Captain at Applebee's, directs front-of-house service standards and coordinates daily team workflows to ensure seamless guest interactions. Nassrat architects the service environment, focusing on hospitality excellence and efficient table management. As the Team Captain, Nassrat mentors staff members to uphold the brand's commitment to a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This role involves managing peak-hour operations and resolving service challenges to maintain high guest satisfaction scores. John Nassrat monitors service quality metrics to identify areas for improvement in the dining room. By leading by example, the Team Captain fosters a collaborative team culture that supports the company's mission of providing quality American cuisine. Nassrat ensures that all service protocols align with corporate expectations, contributing to the operational success of the restaurant by maintaining a high standard of professionalism and guest-focused care throughout every shift.

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

    Who leads Applebee's?
    Applebee's is led by Barry Lategan (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Charlene Schwartz (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Charles Galloway (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Applebee's’s executive team?
    The executive team of Applebee's includes leaders such as Barry Lategan (Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Charlene Schwartz (President & Chief Executive Officer), Charles Galloway (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 Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Market President, Market President.