Dennys Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Dennys has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and people.

Driven by a legacy of service, Dennys is dedicated to providing a welcoming dining experience, upholding a philosophy of accessible quality and continuous improvement across its extensive network.

Leadership Roles at Dennys

  • Chief Executive Officer - Antonio Portales
  • Fundador E Chief Executive Officer - Denny Cimatti
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Christopher Bode
  • Chief Operating Officer - Krystal Ledford
  • President - Charlie Lopez
  • President & Owner - Dennis Larock
  • President - Danny Geiger
  • President - Scott Mottershead
  • President - Fahim Shah
  • Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer - Monigo Saygbay-Hallie
  • Antonio Portales - Chief Executive Officer

    Antonio Portales, the Chief Executive Officer at Dennys, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Portales oversees all business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission of providing accessible, quality dining experiences. This leadership role involves driving innovation in menu development and service delivery, directly impacting customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. By optimizing resource allocation and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, Antonio Portales ensures the efficient operation of Dennys' extensive restaurant network. The Chief Executive Officer's focus extends to identifying new growth opportunities and strengthening the brand's position within the hospitality sector, maintaining a commitment to the company's founding principles of 24-hour service and customer focus.

    Denny Cimatti - Fundador E Chief Executive Officer

    Denny Cimatti, the Fundador E Chief Executive Officer at Dennys, embodies the company's foundational principles and guides its strategic direction. Cimatti's role involves maintaining the core identity of Dennys as a classic American diner, emphasizing the original commitment to service and accessibility. This leadership position requires a deep understanding of the hospitality industry's evolution while preserving the brand's heritage. Denny Cimatti oversees initiatives that enhance the customer dining experience, ensuring consistency across all locations. The Fundador E Chief Executive Officer's influence is critical in shaping the long-term vision, focusing on sustainable growth and brand loyalty, reinforcing the legacy established since the company's inception.

    Christopher Bode - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Christopher Bode, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Dennys, spearheads the company's strategic initiatives and operational oversight. Bode's responsibilities encompass driving growth, enhancing profitability, and ensuring the seamless execution of business plans across the entire organization. This executive position involves close collaboration with department heads to foster innovation and maintain high standards of service and quality. By focusing on market trends and consumer preferences, Christopher Bode guides Dennys in adapting its offerings and operational models. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is instrumental in navigating the competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, ensuring the brand's continued success and expansion.

    Krystal Ledford - Chief Operating Officer

    Krystal Ledford, the Chief Operating Officer at Dennys, manages the day-to-day operations of the restaurant chain, ensuring efficiency and consistency across all locations. Ledford oversees the implementation of operational strategies designed to enhance customer experience and streamline service delivery. This critical role involves managing supply chain logistics, quality control, and staff training programs to uphold Dennys' standards. By focusing on operational excellence, Krystal Ledford drives initiatives that improve restaurant performance and profitability. The Chief Operating Officer's purview includes optimizing workflows and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, directly contributing to the brand's reputation for reliable service.

    Charlie Lopez - President

    Charlie Lopez, the President at Dennys, directs key strategic initiatives and operational frameworks that support the company's growth objectives. Lopez's leadership focuses on enhancing the overall dining experience and ensuring operational efficiency across the extensive network of restaurants. This executive role involves fostering a culture of excellence and driving performance improvements in critical business areas. By overseeing strategic planning and execution, Charlie Lopez ensures that Dennys remains competitive and responsive to market demands. The President's responsibilities extend to managing key stakeholder relationships and guiding the company's expansion efforts, reinforcing its position in the hospitality sector.

    Dennis Larock - President & Owner

    Dennis Larock, the President & Owner at Dennys, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight, deeply connected to the brand's operational integrity and market presence. Larock's role involves guiding the company's vision, ensuring adherence to quality standards, and fostering a strong brand identity. This ownership position necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, focusing on sustainable growth and customer satisfaction. By championing operational excellence, Dennis Larock drives initiatives that enhance the dining experience and maintain the company's competitive edge. The President & Owner's influence is crucial in shaping strategic decisions that impact profitability and brand loyalty.

    Danny Geiger - President

    Danny Geiger, the President at Dennys, leads critical strategic planning and operational management functions, ensuring the company's sustained success. Geiger's focus involves driving operational efficiencies and enhancing the customer dining experience across the entire restaurant portfolio. This executive position requires a keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior within the hospitality sector. By overseeing key business development initiatives, Danny Geiger contributes to the brand's growth and market penetration. The President's responsibilities include fostering innovation in service delivery and maintaining high standards of quality, reinforcing Dennys' commitment to its patrons.

    Scott Mottershead - President

    Scott Mottershead, the President at Dennys, oversees strategic operations and drives business development initiatives to enhance the company's market position. Mottershead's leadership focuses on optimizing operational performance and ensuring a consistent, high-quality dining experience for customers. This executive role involves guiding key departments to achieve organizational goals and foster innovation within the hospitality sector. By implementing effective strategies, Scott Mottershead contributes to revenue growth and operational efficiency across the Dennys network. The President's purview includes managing critical business relationships and steering the company towards its long-term objectives.

    Fahim Shah - President

    Fahim Shah, the President at Dennys, directs strategic planning and operational execution to drive company growth and enhance market presence. Shah's leadership emphasizes optimizing operational workflows and elevating the customer dining experience across all establishments. This executive position involves spearheading initiatives that foster innovation and maintain high standards of service quality. By focusing on strategic market positioning, Fahim Shah ensures Dennys remains competitive and responsive to evolving consumer demands. The President's responsibilities include overseeing key performance indicators and guiding the organization toward achieving its financial and operational objectives.

    Monigo Saygbay-Hallie - Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer

    Monigo Saygbay-Hallie, the Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer at Dennys, directs all human capital strategies and organizational development initiatives. Saygbay-Hallie is responsible for cultivating a positive and productive work environment, overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, and comprehensive training programs. This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring that Dennys attracts, retains, and develops a skilled workforce capable of delivering exceptional customer service. By championing employee engagement and fostering a strong company culture, Monigo Saygbay-Hallie directly impacts operational effectiveness and brand reputation. The Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer's strategic focus supports the company's mission by empowering its people.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dennys Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Dennys?
    Dennys is led by Antonio Portales (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Denny Cimatti (Fundador E Chief Executive Officer) and Christopher Bode (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Dennys’s executive team?
    The executive team of Dennys includes leaders such as Antonio Portales (Chief Executive Officer), Denny Cimatti (Fundador E Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Bode (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Dennys have?
    Dennys has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Dennys’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Dennys includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Fundador E Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.