Checkers & Rally's Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Checkers & Rally's has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, marketing operations, operational excellence, and corporate leadership.

Driven by a commitment to bold flavors and rapid service, Checkers & Rally's delivers high-quality fast-food experiences while maintaining a competitive edge in the quick-service restaurant industry through consistent menu innovation.

Leadership Roles at Checkers & Rally's

  • Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin - Islam Sbaih
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Blair
  • President - Richard Hewatt
  • Chief Operations Officer - Saleem Lakhani
  • Islam Sbaih - Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin

    Islam Sbaih, the Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin at Checkers & Rally's, architects the brand identity and operational framework. Overseeing national marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin drives customer engagement through the promotion of signature items like the Big Buford and Famous Seasoned Fries. This multifaceted role requires balancing creative brand positioning with the administrative efficiency of the entire restaurant network. By integrating marketing insights with operational data, Islam Sbaih optimizes the customer experience across all locations. The Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin ensures that every promotional effort translates into increased foot traffic and higher transaction volumes. Through this strategic alignment, the executive maintains the brand's reputation for bold taste and fast, friendly service in the quick-service industry.
    Islam Sbaih

    Michael Blair - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Blair, the Chief Financial Officer at Checkers & Rally's, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, forecasting, and long-term investment initiatives to support the expansion of the brand. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize profitability across the national footprint. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures, Michael Blair ensures the company maintains a strong balance sheet while funding new menu development and infrastructure upgrades. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to align financial goals with the broader mission of providing exceptional value to customers. Through precise financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for sustained growth in the competitive quick-service restaurant sector, ultimately driving the financial stability required for the continued success of the brand.

    Richard Hewatt - President

    Richard Hewatt, the President at Checkers & Rally's, provides the overarching strategic vision for the entire organization. Leading the executive team, the President defines the long-term goals for market expansion and brand development. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation that keeps the menu relevant and the service model competitive. By setting the tone for corporate governance, Richard Hewatt ensures that all departments remain aligned with the core mission of delivering bold, flavor-packed food. The President engages with stakeholders to communicate the brand's value proposition and growth trajectory. Through the oversight of high-level initiatives, the President drives the company toward greater market share in the quick-service restaurant industry. This executive leadership ensures that the brand remains a leader in the sector, consistently meeting the needs of millions of fans who crave fast, satisfying food through a commitment to quality and operational excellence.
    Richard Hewatt

    Saleem Lakhani - Chief Operations Officer

    Saleem Lakhani, the Chief Operations Officer at Checkers & Rally's, directs the daily execution of restaurant standards and supply chain logistics. Overseeing the efficiency of the kitchen workflows, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that every meal meets the high quality expectations of the brand. This leadership role involves managing regional performance metrics to guarantee consistency across the entire restaurant portfolio. By streamlining procurement processes, Saleem Lakhani optimizes the delivery of ingredients for signature menu items like Classic Wings and Fry-Seasoned Chicken Tenders. The Chief Operations Officer works closely with field management to implement training programs that enhance speed and service quality. Through the continuous refinement of operational protocols, the Chief Operations Officer supports the company's mission to provide fast, satisfying food. This focus on operational excellence directly impacts the bottom line by reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction scores across the national market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Checkers & Rally's Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Checkers & Rally's?
    Checkers & Rally's is led by Islam Sbaih (Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin), along with executives such as Michael Blair (Chief Financial Officer) and Richard Hewatt (President).
    Who is part of Checkers & Rally's’s executive team?
    The executive team of Checkers & Rally's includes leaders such as Islam Sbaih (Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin), Michael Blair (Chief Financial Officer), Richard Hewatt (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Checkers & Rally's have?
    Checkers & Rally's has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Checkers & Rally's’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Checkers & Rally's includes roles such as Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Finance & Admin, Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Operations Officer.