Inspire Brands Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Inspire Brands has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, operational excellence, marketing, commercial development, communications, human resources, brand management, and technology innovation.

Focused on scaling a diverse portfolio of iconic restaurant brands, Inspire Brands delivers exceptional dining experiences while driving long-term value through a global network of franchised locations.

Leadership Roles at Inspire Brands

  • Chief Financial Officer - Katherine Jaspon
  • Chief Operating Officer - Anthony Rothrauff
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sonic - Thomas Deeley
  • President, Arby's - David Graves
  • Chief of Staff - Danielle Smith
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Sonic Drive - Ryan Dickerson
  • Chief of Staff, Commercial - Alexandria Ramsey
  • Chief Communications Officer - Shannan Siemens
  • Chief People Officer - Kelly McCulloch
  • Chief Technology & AI Acceleration Officer - Yasir Anwar
  • Katherine Jaspon - Chief Financial Officer

    Katherine Jaspon, the Chief Financial Officer at Inspire Brands, directs the financial strategy and capital allocation for the entire multi-brand restaurant portfolio. Jaspon oversees fiscal planning, treasury operations, and investor relations, ensuring the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support aggressive growth. By analyzing market trends across the quick-service restaurant sector, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for investment and operational efficiency. Katherine Jaspon manages the financial health of established brands such as Sonic Drive-In and Baskin-Robbins, providing the necessary oversight to sustain profitability. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to refine long-term financial goals and risk management frameworks. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required for global expansion and digital transformation. Jaspon drives the financial performance that allows the organization to thrive in a highly competitive and capital-intensive hospitality landscape.
    Katherine Jaspon

    Anthony Rothrauff - Chief Operating Officer

    Anthony Rothrauff, the Chief Operating Officer at Inspire Brands, manages the overarching operational standards and supply chain logistics for the company's diverse restaurant portfolio. Rothrauff focuses on optimizing the efficiency of franchised locations, ensuring consistent service quality across all brands. By implementing standardized operational protocols, the Chief Operating Officer drives productivity and cost-effectiveness throughout the global network. Anthony Rothrauff oversees the integration of new acquisitions into the existing operational framework, maintaining high performance across sandwich shops and coffee establishments. This role involves constant interaction with regional leaders to address supply chain challenges and improve unit-level profitability. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the customer experience at every touchpoint. Rothrauff ensures that the operational infrastructure remains scalable, supporting the company's mission to deliver excellence in the quick-service restaurant sector while maintaining rigorous standards of quality and safety.

    Thomas Deeley - Chief Operating Officer - Sonic

    Thomas Deeley, the Chief Operating Officer - Sonic at Inspire Brands, directs the day-to-day operations and service delivery for the Sonic Drive-In brand. Deeley focuses on optimizing unit-level performance, ensuring that every drive-in location adheres to the company's high standards for speed, quality, and customer satisfaction. By managing the operational workflow and staff training programs, the Chief Operating Officer - Sonic drives efficiency and consistency across the franchise network. Thomas Deeley oversees the implementation of new service technologies and menu execution strategies to improve the overall dining experience. This role involves working closely with franchisees to address operational challenges and support local market growth. Through the application of rigorous performance metrics, the Chief Operating Officer - Sonic ensures that the brand remains a leader in the drive-in service segment. Deeley maintains a focus on operational excellence, supporting the company's mission to provide convenient and high-quality food options.
    Thomas Deeley

    David Graves - President, Arby's

    David Graves, the President, Arby's at Inspire Brands, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the Arby's brand. Graves oversees the development of menu innovations, marketing strategies, and operational improvements that drive growth for the sandwich shop segment. By managing the relationship with franchisees and ensuring brand consistency, the President, Arby's maintains the competitive position of the brand in the quick-service restaurant market. David Graves focuses on enhancing the customer experience through operational excellence and strategic brand positioning. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to leverage the resources of the broader Inspire Brands portfolio. Through the execution of long-term growth plans, the President, Arby's drives revenue and market share expansion. Graves ensures that the brand remains relevant and profitable, supporting the company's mission to provide high-quality dining options while maintaining a strong focus on operational efficiency and brand loyalty.

    Danielle Smith - Chief of Staff

    Danielle Smith, the Chief of Staff at Inspire Brands, coordinates executive workflows and aligns cross-functional initiatives across the entire restaurant portfolio. Smith manages the prioritization of strategic projects, ensuring that leadership objectives translate into actionable results for the organization. By facilitating communication between the C-suite and department heads, the Chief of Staff optimizes decision-making processes and enhances operational agility. Danielle Smith maintains a focus on organizational efficiency, supporting the execution of long-term growth strategies for brands like Arby's and Dunkin'. This role requires constant monitoring of internal performance metrics to ensure alignment with the broader corporate mission. Through rigorous oversight of administrative and strategic priorities, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to maintain focus on market expansion and brand development. Smith provides the necessary structure to navigate the complexities of a multi-brand conglomerate operating within the competitive global hospitality sector.

    Ryan Dickerson - Chief Marketing Officer, Sonic Drive

    Ryan Dickerson, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sonic Drive at Inspire Brands, architects the brand identity and consumer engagement strategies for the Sonic Drive-In segment. Dickerson leads the development of national advertising campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, and promotional programs designed to increase market share. By analyzing consumer behavior and dining preferences, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sonic Drive crafts messaging that resonates with the core audience of the drive-in service establishment. Ryan Dickerson collaborates with creative agencies and internal teams to ensure brand consistency across all media channels. This leadership role involves managing the marketing budget to maximize return on investment while driving traffic to franchised locations. Through innovative digital strategies and localized marketing efforts, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sonic Drive strengthens the competitive position of the brand. Dickerson ensures that the marketing narrative aligns with the broader corporate mission of delivering unique and memorable dining experiences to customers.

    Alexandria Ramsey - Chief of Staff, Commercial

    Alexandria Ramsey, the Chief of Staff, Commercial at Inspire Brands, manages the strategic alignment of commercial functions across the company's diverse restaurant portfolio. Ramsey oversees the integration of sales, revenue management, and business development initiatives to drive growth. By coordinating efforts between commercial teams and brand leadership, the Chief of Staff, Commercial ensures that revenue-generating activities remain consistent with corporate objectives. Alexandria Ramsey monitors market performance and identifies opportunities for commercial expansion within the quick-service restaurant sector. This role involves facilitating cross-departmental projects that enhance the company's competitive edge in the hospitality market. Through rigorous analysis of commercial data, the Chief of Staff, Commercial supports the executive team in making informed decisions regarding brand positioning and market penetration. Ramsey provides the necessary oversight to ensure that commercial strategies are executed effectively, contributing to the overall financial success and market impact of the organization.

    Shannan Siemens - Chief Communications Officer

    Shannan Siemens, the Chief Communications Officer at Inspire Brands, manages the corporate reputation and internal/external messaging for the entire restaurant conglomerate. Siemens oversees public relations, media strategy, and stakeholder communications, ensuring that the company's mission and values are clearly articulated. By developing comprehensive communication plans, the Chief Communications Officer protects the brand equity of the company's diverse portfolio, including Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Jimmy John's. Shannan Siemens coordinates with executive leadership to manage crisis communications and promote corporate initiatives to the public. This role involves crafting narratives that highlight the company's commitment to hospitality and growth. Through strategic engagement with media outlets and industry analysts, the Chief Communications Officer enhances the visibility and influence of the organization. Siemens ensures that all communications are consistent, transparent, and aligned with the broader corporate strategy, supporting the company's reputation as a leader in the global restaurant sector.

    Kelly McCulloch - Chief People Officer

    Kelly McCulloch, the Chief People Officer at Inspire Brands, directs the human resources strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational culture for the entire company. McCulloch oversees the development of programs designed to attract, retain, and grow a diverse workforce across the global network of franchised restaurants. By implementing leadership development initiatives and performance management systems, the Chief People Officer ensures that the organization maintains a high-performing culture. Kelly McCulloch collaborates with brand leaders to align human capital strategies with the company's growth objectives. This role involves managing employee relations and fostering an inclusive environment that supports the company's mission of hospitality. Through the application of data-driven talent analytics, the Chief People Officer optimizes workforce planning and engagement. McCulloch ensures that the organization remains an employer of choice, supporting the long-term success of the company by investing in the people who deliver the dining experience to customers worldwide.
    Kelly McCulloch

    Yasir Anwar - Chief Technology & AI Acceleration Officer

    Yasir Anwar, the Chief Technology & AI Acceleration Officer at Inspire Brands, architects the digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence strategy for the entire restaurant portfolio. Anwar leads the implementation of advanced technologies to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive data-driven decision-making. By integrating AI solutions into the supply chain and marketing functions, the Chief Technology & AI Acceleration Officer improves efficiency and personalization across all brands. Yasir Anwar oversees the development of scalable technology platforms that support the company's global network of franchised locations. This role involves collaborating with other executive leaders to identify opportunities for digital transformation and innovation. Through the application of cutting-edge technology, the Chief Technology & AI Acceleration Officer ensures that the company remains at the forefront of the quick-service restaurant sector. Anwar drives the technological advancements that support the company's mission to deliver superior dining experiences through modern, efficient, and data-informed operations.
    Yasir Anwar

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Inspire Brands Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Inspire Brands?
    Inspire Brands is led by Katherine Jaspon (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Anthony Rothrauff (Chief Operating Officer) and Thomas Deeley (Chief Operating Officer - Sonic).
    Who is part of Inspire Brands’s executive team?
    The executive team of Inspire Brands includes leaders such as Katherine Jaspon (Chief Financial Officer), Anthony Rothrauff (Chief Operating Officer), Thomas Deeley (Chief Operating Officer - Sonic) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Inspire Brands have?
    Inspire Brands has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Inspire Brands’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Inspire Brands includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Sonic, President, Arby's, Chief of Staff.