Firehouse Subs Executive and Leadership Team

William Giudici, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer at Firehouse Subs, directs the daily operational efficiency of the entire franchise network. Overseeing supply chain logistics and quality control, the Partner & Chief Operating Officer ensures every location maintains the high standards associated with the brand. This leadership role involves refining training programs for franchisees and implementing operational systems that streamline the preparation of steamed hot submarine sandwiches. By optimizing labor models and inventory management, William Giudici drives profitability for franchise owners across North America. The Partner & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with the executive team to integrate new technology into restaurant workflows, enhancing speed of service. Through consistent monitoring of operational KPIs, Giudici identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. This dedication to operational excellence supports the long-term sustainability of the business model and ensures a consistent guest experience in every restaurant.

Maribel Brinkel, the President at Firehouse Subs, leads the strategic development of the brand's public safety initiatives and community engagement. Overseeing the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the President ensures the company fulfills its mission of supporting first responders through equipment grants and disaster relief. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with national safety organizations and managing the philanthropic impact of the brand. By aligning corporate social responsibility with business operations, Maribel Brinkel enhances the reputation of the company within the hospitality industry. The President works with the board to define long-term growth strategies that integrate community support with commercial success. Through effective communication of the brand's values, Brinkel fosters deep connections with customers and stakeholders. This focus on mission-driven leadership distinguishes the organization in the marketplace and reinforces the commitment to public safety that defines the identity of the company.

Iraj Ghorbani, the President at Firehouse Subs, directs the expansion of the franchise network through strategic site selection and real estate development. Overseeing the growth of the restaurant footprint, the President ensures that new locations align with the demographic requirements of the brand. This leadership role involves managing relationships with commercial developers and supporting franchisees during the site acquisition process. By analyzing market trends and traffic patterns, Iraj Ghorbani identifies high-potential areas for new restaurant openings across North America. The President collaborates with the operations team to ensure that new sites meet the rigorous standards for design and functionality. Through disciplined capital allocation and site development, Ghorbani drives the physical growth of the company. This focus on real estate strategy provides the foundation for scaling the business and increasing the accessibility of the brand to a broader customer base in the competitive restaurant sector.

John Spoon, the President & Owner at Firehouse Subs, oversees the overarching vision and financial health of the enterprise. Directing the long-term strategic planning, the President & Owner ensures the company maintains its position as a leader in the fast-casual restaurant industry. This leadership role involves evaluating investment opportunities and managing the capital structure to support sustainable growth. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, John Spoon drives the development of new menu items and operational improvements. The President & Owner works closely with the executive team to align departmental goals with the mission of providing high-quality, steamed submarine sandwiches. Through rigorous financial oversight and strategic decision-making, Spoon secures the future of the brand. This commitment to leadership excellence ensures that the company continues to thrive in the hospitality market while delivering value to franchise partners and customers alike.

Christine Vanderbilt, the President & General Manager at Firehouse Subs, directs the internal administrative functions and organizational development of the company. Overseeing human resources and corporate culture, the President & General Manager ensures the workforce remains aligned with the core values of the brand. This leadership role involves implementing talent development programs and managing the internal systems that support franchise operations. By streamlining administrative processes, Christine Vanderbilt improves the efficiency of the corporate office and enhances support for the field teams. The President & General Manager collaborates with other executives to integrate cross-functional initiatives that drive business performance. Through effective management of internal resources, Vanderbilt fosters an environment of accountability and growth. This focus on organizational health supports the operational scale of the company and ensures that the business remains agile in the face of changing market conditions in the restaurant industry.

Omar Ghorbani, the President at Firehouse Subs, directs the strategic implementation of technology and digital transformation across the franchise network. Overseeing the integration of point-of-sale systems and mobile ordering platforms, the President ensures the brand remains at the forefront of digital convenience. This leadership role involves managing the technical infrastructure that supports online ordering and delivery services for customers. By leveraging data analytics, Omar Ghorbani optimizes the digital guest experience to increase order frequency and average ticket size. The President works with the IT and operations teams to ensure seamless connectivity between the digital and physical restaurant environments. Through the deployment of innovative technology solutions, Ghorbani enhances the operational efficiency of franchise locations. This focus on digital strategy supports the growth of the company by meeting the evolving expectations of modern consumers in the fast-casual hospitality sector.

Mike Hancock, the President at Firehouse Subs, directs the quality assurance and food safety protocols across the entire supply chain. Overseeing the sourcing of premium meats and cheeses, the President ensures that every ingredient meets the strict standards required for the signature steaming method. This leadership role involves managing relationships with food suppliers and conducting regular audits of production facilities. By maintaining rigorous food safety compliance, Mike Hancock protects the reputation of the brand and ensures the health of the customer base. The President collaborates with the culinary team to refine menu offerings and maintain the consistency of the flavor profiles that define the brand. Through meticulous attention to product quality, Hancock drives customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. This focus on supply chain integrity supports the operational excellence of the company and ensures that the brand remains a trusted name in the restaurant industry.

Daniel Packness, the Chief Marketing Officer at Firehouse Subs, directs all brand positioning and consumer engagement strategies. Overseeing national advertising campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures the firefighter-themed identity resonates across the competitive fast-casual landscape. This leadership role involves managing digital marketing channels and local store promotional efforts to drive traffic to over 1,000 locations. By analyzing consumer data, Daniel Packness optimizes the marketing funnel to increase brand loyalty and market share. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with franchise partners to implement consistent messaging that highlights the unique steaming method used for premium meats and cheeses. Through these initiatives, Packness strengthens the market presence of the brand while supporting the overarching mission of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Strategic oversight of these marketing functions remains vital for maintaining the growth trajectory of the company throughout North America.

Carolina Berti, the Chief Marketing Officer (U.S. & Canada) at Firehouse Subs, architects regional marketing strategies tailored to diverse North American markets. Overseeing the expansion of brand awareness in Canada and the United States, the Chief Marketing Officer (U.S. & Canada) ensures localized relevance for the steamed sandwich menu. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-border promotional calendars and managing regional media spend to maximize return on investment. By leveraging market-specific insights, Carolina Berti drives customer acquisition and retention in both established and emerging territories. The Chief Marketing Officer (U.S. & Canada) works closely with regional franchise developers to align marketing tactics with operational goals. Through rigorous analysis of regional performance metrics, Berti refines the brand narrative to maintain a competitive edge in the hospitality sector. This focus on regional execution supports the broader corporate objective of scaling the franchise footprint while upholding the core values of the organization.