IHOP Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

IHOP has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, culinary operations, brand development, and commercial growth.

Focused on delivering iconic breakfast experiences, IHOP maintains a commitment to quality and accessibility across its vast network of independent franchise locations throughout the United States and international markets.

Leadership Roles at IHOP

  • Chief Executive Officer - Candace Losoya
  • Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G. - Justin Sweeney
  • President & Chief Pancake Officer - Robert Tomlinson
  • President - Joe Scripture
  • President and Hotcakes Inc. - Michael Szawielenko
  • President - Stephen Ingraham
  • President & Dine Brands Chief Commercial Officer - Lawrence Kim
  • Candace Losoya - Chief Executive Officer

    Candace Losoya, the Chief Executive Officer at IHOP, directs the overarching strategic vision for the multinational pancake house chain. Losoya manages the complex relationship between the corporate entity and the independent franchisees that operate 99% of the restaurant locations. By prioritizing operational efficiency and brand consistency, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the breakfast-focused menu remains competitive within the global hospitality sector. Losoya oversees long-term growth initiatives and capital allocation to strengthen the market position of the brand. Through collaboration with the board and executive leadership, Candace Losoya drives the expansion of the restaurant footprint across diverse geographic regions. This leadership role requires constant monitoring of consumer trends and supply chain stability to maintain the high standards expected by patrons. Ultimately, Losoya secures the financial health and cultural relevance of the organization in a crowded marketplace.

    Justin Sweeney - Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G.

    Justin Sweeney, the Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G. at IHOP, architects the culinary innovation strategy that defines the brand identity. Sweeney focuses on menu development and kitchen workflow optimization to ensure that breakfast items meet rigorous quality benchmarks across all franchise locations. By analyzing food cost metrics and ingredient sourcing, the Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G. improves profitability for restaurant operators while maintaining the signature taste profile of the chain. Sweeney coordinates with supply chain partners to streamline procurement processes, ensuring consistent product availability throughout North American operations. This role involves rigorous testing of new menu concepts to align with evolving consumer preferences. Through meticulous oversight of kitchen standards, Justin Sweeney directly impacts the guest experience and operational success. The Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G. maintains a relentless focus on culinary excellence to sustain the competitive advantage of the company.

    Robert Tomlinson - President & Chief Pancake Officer

    Robert Tomlinson, the President & Chief Pancake Officer at IHOP, drives the tactical execution of brand-specific initiatives centered on the core pancake product line. Tomlinson manages the product lifecycle from concept to table, ensuring that the signature breakfast offerings remain central to the customer value proposition. By overseeing marketing campaigns and promotional strategies, the President & Chief Pancake Officer enhances brand visibility and drives foot traffic to franchise locations. Tomlinson collaborates with regional managers to implement localized menu adaptations that resonate with diverse consumer demographics. This leadership position involves balancing creative product development with the practical constraints of large-scale restaurant operations. Through strategic oversight of the pancake category, Robert Tomlinson strengthens the market dominance of the brand. The President & Chief Pancake Officer ensures that every menu innovation aligns with the broader mission of providing high-quality, accessible breakfast meals to a global audience.
    Robert Tomlinson

    Joe Scripture - President

    Joe Scripture, the President at IHOP, oversees the internal scaling and organizational infrastructure required to support a massive franchise network. Scripture directs the implementation of standardized operational procedures that ensure consistency across thousands of restaurant locations. By focusing on administrative efficiency and corporate governance, the President supports the seamless integration of new franchise partners into the broader business ecosystem. Scripture manages cross-departmental workflows to ensure that corporate resources effectively serve the needs of independent operators. This role involves monitoring performance metrics and identifying opportunities for process improvement to maximize profitability. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, Joe Scripture facilitates the sustainable growth of the organization. The President maintains a clear focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the company remains agile and responsive to the demands of the competitive hospitality industry while upholding the core values of the brand.

    Michael Szawielenko - President and Hotcakes Inc.

    Michael Szawielenko, the President and Hotcakes Inc. at IHOP, manages the specialized logistics and supply chain operations associated with the hotcake product segment. Szawielenko architects the distribution networks that supply essential ingredients to franchise locations, ensuring that quality standards remain uniform across all regions. By optimizing inventory management and vendor relationships, the President and Hotcakes Inc. reduces operational overhead for restaurant owners. Szawielenko coordinates with procurement teams to mitigate risks associated with commodity price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. This leadership role involves overseeing the technical aspects of food production and distribution to maintain the high-volume output required by the brand. Through rigorous oversight of the supply chain, Michael Szawielenko supports the consistent delivery of breakfast products to millions of customers. The President and Hotcakes Inc. ensures that the logistical backbone of the company remains robust and capable of supporting future expansion efforts.
    Michael Szawielenko

    Stephen Ingraham - President

    Stephen Ingraham, the President at IHOP, directs the strategic expansion of the brand into new geographic markets and emerging consumer segments. Ingraham oversees the development of real estate strategies and site selection processes to optimize the footprint of the restaurant chain. By analyzing demographic data and market trends, the President identifies high-potential areas for new franchise development. Ingraham collaborates with regional stakeholders to ensure that new locations align with the operational standards and brand identity of the company. This leadership role involves managing complex negotiations and regulatory requirements to facilitate smooth market entry. Through the execution of growth-oriented initiatives, Stephen Ingraham expands the reach of the brand and increases market share. The President maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that each new location contributes positively to the overall financial performance and reputation of the organization in the competitive hospitality landscape.

    Lawrence Kim - President & Dine Brands Chief Commercial Officer

    Lawrence Kim, the President & Dine Brands Chief Commercial Officer at IHOP, architects the commercial strategy that integrates the brand within the broader Dine Brands Global portfolio. Kim directs revenue-generating initiatives, including digital transformation and loyalty program development, to enhance customer engagement. By leveraging data analytics and consumer insights, the President & Dine Brands Chief Commercial Officer optimizes pricing strategies and promotional effectiveness across the restaurant network. Kim collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that commercial activities support the overarching financial goals of the parent company. This role involves managing the intersection of technology and hospitality to create a seamless omnichannel experience for guests. Through the implementation of innovative commercial solutions, Lawrence Kim drives top-line growth and strengthens the competitive position of the brand. The President & Dine Brands Chief Commercial Officer ensures that the company remains at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements.
    Lawrence Kim

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding IHOP Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads IHOP?
    IHOP is led by Candace Losoya (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Justin Sweeney (Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G.) and Robert Tomlinson (President & Chief Pancake Officer).
    Who is part of IHOP’s executive team?
    The executive team of IHOP includes leaders such as Candace Losoya (Chief Executive Officer), Justin Sweeney (Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G.), Robert Tomlinson (President & Chief Pancake Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does IHOP have?
    IHOP has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in IHOP’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of IHOP includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Cook and Chief Executive Officer W.. G., President & Chief Pancake Officer, President, President and Hotcakes Inc..