Buffalo Wild Wings Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Buffalo Wild Wings has 4 executives leading key functions including marketing, brand strategy, operational management, and franchise development.

Focused on delivering high-quality dining experiences, Buffalo Wild Wings maintains a commitment to flavor innovation and casual hospitality across its extensive network of restaurant locations throughout the United States.

Leadership Roles at Buffalo Wild Wings

  • President, Brand - John Bowie
  • President - Tristan Meline
  • President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee - Larry Podlogar
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Scott Nelson
  • John Bowie - President, Brand

    John Bowie, the President, Brand at Buffalo Wild Wings, oversees the strategic evolution of the restaurant identity and guest experience. By managing the core service standards, the President, Brand ensures consistency across all locations while driving operational excellence in the casual dining space. This leadership role involves coordinating with cross-functional teams to integrate new technology into the guest journey, thereby enhancing efficiency and satisfaction. John Bowie also monitors market trends to adapt the brand narrative to changing consumer demands. Through rigorous oversight of service quality, the President, Brand maintains the reputation of the chain as a premier destination for sports and dining. By fostering a culture of hospitality, the President, Brand supports the broader mission of providing high-quality, made-to-order chicken wings. Ultimately, Bowie secures the long-term health of the brand by balancing traditional menu offerings with innovative service models that appeal to a diverse, nationwide customer base.
    John Bowie

    Tristan Meline - President

    Tristan Meline, the President at Buffalo Wild Wings, directs the overall business operations and strategic expansion of the restaurant chain. By supervising the executive leadership team, the President ensures alignment with corporate objectives and financial performance targets. This leadership role involves managing the complex supply chain required to deliver consistent, high-quality chicken wings to locations across the country. Tristan Meline also evaluates potential market opportunities to scale the footprint of the organization effectively. Through constant monitoring of operational costs and revenue streams, the President optimizes the profitability of the entire restaurant network. By maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, the President facilitates the execution of long-term growth initiatives. Ultimately, Meline drives the company toward sustained success by fostering an environment of accountability and innovation, ensuring that the casual-style restaurant chain remains a leader in the hospitality industry through disciplined management and strategic foresight.
    Tristan Meline

    Larry Podlogar - President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee

    Larry Podlogar, the President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee at Buffalo Wild Wings, manages the operational success of specific franchise territories and regional management entities. By overseeing the daily performance of these units, the President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee ensures strict adherence to corporate standards and quality control protocols. This leadership role involves mentoring local management teams to improve service speed and operational efficiency within the restaurant environment. Larry Podlogar also coordinates with the corporate office to implement new menu rollouts and promotional strategies at the franchisee level. Through the optimization of labor and inventory management, the President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee maximizes the profitability of the managed locations. By focusing on local market penetration, the President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee strengthens the overall brand presence. Ultimately, Podlogar secures operational excellence by bridging the gap between corporate strategy and frontline execution.

    Scott Nelson - Chief Marketing Officer

    Scott Nelson, the Chief Marketing Officer at Buffalo Wild Wings, directs all national advertising campaigns and digital engagement strategies. By analyzing consumer behavior within the casual dining sector, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes promotional efforts to increase foot traffic across North American markets. This leadership role involves managing brand positioning to ensure the restaurant chain remains competitive against other wing-focused establishments. Scott Nelson also collaborates with the culinary team to launch seasonal menu items that resonate with core demographics. Through data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer refines loyalty programs to boost repeat visits and long-term customer retention. By aligning marketing spend with regional performance metrics, the Chief Marketing Officer secures consistent brand visibility. Ultimately, Nelson drives the overarching growth strategy by connecting the unique Buffalo, New York-style dining experience with modern consumer preferences, ensuring the brand maintains a dominant presence in the competitive hospitality landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Buffalo Wild Wings Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Buffalo Wild Wings?
    Buffalo Wild Wings is led by John Bowie (President, Brand), along with executives such as Tristan Meline (President) and Larry Podlogar (President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee).
    Who is part of Buffalo Wild Wings’s executive team?
    The executive team of Buffalo Wild Wings includes leaders such as John Bowie (President, Brand), Tristan Meline (President), Larry Podlogar (President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Buffalo Wild Wings have?
    Buffalo Wild Wings has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Buffalo Wild Wings’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Buffalo Wild Wings includes roles such as President, Brand, President, President, Derby Wings Management Company & Franchisee, Chief Marketing Officer.