Border Foods Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Border Foods has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, people, and market expansion.

Driven by a commitment to operational excellence, Border Foods is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences through its extensive network of Taco Bell franchises, fostering growth and community engagement across its operating regions.

Leadership Roles at Border Foods

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lee Engler
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Axness
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Frank Bowers
  • Chief Operating Officer - Vincent Bosscher
  • Chief People Officer - Sharla Hennek
  • Lee Engler - Chief Executive Officer

    Lee Engler, the Chief Executive Officer at Border Foods, directs the overall strategic vision and operational framework for the company's extensive Taco Bell franchise network. Engler guides the executive team in navigating market dynamics across Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and franchisee success. This leadership role involves cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and driving expansion initiatives that solidify Border Foods' market presence. By focusing on scalable growth strategies and operational efficiencies, Lee Engler ensures the sustained profitability and competitive advantage of the organization. The Chief Executive Officer's purview encompasses all facets of business development and long-term planning, directly impacting the company's trajectory and its ability to serve diverse customer bases effectively.

    Brian Axness - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Axness, the Chief Financial Officer at Border Foods, oversees all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the company's widespread franchise locations. Axness manages capital allocation, financial reporting, and risk management across Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, ensuring robust financial health. This critical position involves developing financial models that support growth objectives and optimize profitability for the extensive restaurant portfolio. By meticulously analyzing financial data and forecasting market trends, Brian Axness provides essential insights that inform executive decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, thereby safeguarding the company's financial integrity and supporting its expansion efforts.
    Brian Axness

    Frank Bowers - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Frank Bowers, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Border Foods, collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer to manage the company's comprehensive financial strategy and reporting across its multi-state franchise operations. Bowers supports the financial health of locations throughout Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, focusing on fiscal discipline and strategic investment. This role involves detailed financial analysis, budget management, and contributing to long-term financial planning initiatives. By ensuring accurate financial data and implementing effective controls, Frank Bowers reinforces the company's commitment to fiscal responsibility. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in supporting growth opportunities and maintaining the financial stability necessary for Border Foods' continued expansion and operational success.

    Vincent Bosscher - Chief Operating Officer

    Vincent Bosscher, the Chief Operating Officer at Border Foods, directs the day-to-day operational execution across all Taco Bell franchise locations spanning Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Bosscher focuses on optimizing restaurant performance, ensuring consistent quality, and enhancing the customer experience at every touchpoint. This leadership role involves implementing best practices in service delivery, supply chain management, and staff training to drive efficiency and operational excellence. By closely monitoring key performance indicators and identifying areas for improvement, Vincent Bosscher ensures that each location operates at peak capacity. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic oversight is crucial for maintaining brand standards and achieving operational targets, directly contributing to the company's overall success and market leadership in the quick-service restaurant sector.
    Vincent Bosscher

    Sharla Hennek - Chief People Officer

    Sharla Hennek, the Chief People Officer at Border Foods, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies for the company's extensive workforce across Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Hennek is responsible for cultivating a positive and productive work environment, overseeing recruitment, employee development, and retention programs designed to support the operational needs of the franchise network. This pivotal role involves developing policies and initiatives that foster employee engagement and align with the company's mission of operational excellence and customer satisfaction. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Sharla Hennek ensures that Border Foods attracts and retains top talent. The Chief People Officer's strategic direction is fundamental to building a strong organizational culture and supporting the sustained success of the company's restaurant operations.
    Sharla Hennek

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Border Foods Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Border Foods?
    Border Foods is led by Lee Engler (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Brian Axness (Chief Financial Officer) and Frank Bowers (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Border Foods’s executive team?
    The executive team of Border Foods includes leaders such as Lee Engler (Chief Executive Officer), Brian Axness (Chief Financial Officer), Frank Bowers (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Border Foods have?
    Border Foods has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Border Foods’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Border Foods includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer.