Inspire Brands Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Inspire Brands has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, marketing, communications, human resources, and brand development.

Driven by a commitment to operational excellence, Inspire Brands unites distinct restaurant brands under a shared ecosystem designed to foster growth, innovation, and superior customer experiences across its diverse portfolio.

Leadership Roles at Inspire Brands

  • Chief Financial Officer - Nolan Peek
  • Chief Operating Officer - Anthony Rothrauff
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sonic - Thomas Deeley
  • President, Brand, Baskin-Robbins - Jerid Grandinetti
  • President, Brand, Jimmy John's - James North
  • President (US Development) - John Dawson
  • Chief of Staff - Danielle Smith
  • Chief Marketing Officer, Jimmy John's - Katherine Carpenter
  • Chief Communications Officer - Shannan Siemens
  • Chief People Officer - Kelly McCulloch
  • Nolan Peek - Chief Financial Officer

    Nolan Peek, the Chief Financial Officer at Inspire Brands, directs all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the global multi-brand restaurant company. Overseeing capital allocation, investment strategies, and financial reporting, Peek ensures robust fiscal health across Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, Jimmy John's, and SONIC Drive-In. This critical role involves managing financial performance, driving profitability, and supporting franchise development through sound economic strategies. By optimizing financial structures and guiding investment in digital transformation and operational efficiency, Nolan Peek directly impacts the company's ability to expand its international market presence. The CFO's leadership ensures Inspire Brands maintains a strong financial foundation for sustained growth and brand enhancement.
    Nolan Peek

    Anthony Rothrauff - Chief Operating Officer

    Anthony Rothrauff, the Chief Operating Officer at Inspire Brands, drives operational excellence and efficiency across the company's diverse portfolio of quick-service, casual dining, and dessert brands. Overseeing day-to-day operations, Rothrauff ensures seamless integration of technology, marketing, and franchise support systems to enhance customer experience. This leadership function involves optimizing supply chain logistics, implementing best practices in restaurant management, and fostering innovation in operational processes. By focusing on operational efficiency, Anthony Rothrauff supports the strategic growth and brand expansion objectives of Inspire Brands. The COO's mandate includes ensuring consistent quality and service delivery across all company-operated and franchised locations, reinforcing the company's commitment to strengthening its market position globally.

    Thomas Deeley - Chief Operating Officer - Sonic

    Thomas Deeley, the Chief Operating Officer - Sonic at Inspire Brands, directs all operational strategies and execution specifically for the SONIC Drive-In brand. Overseeing franchise and company-operated locations, Deeley focuses on enhancing the unique customer experience and operational efficiency characteristic of SONIC. This role involves implementing best practices in drive-in operations, optimizing supply chain for the brand, and ensuring consistent service delivery. By driving operational improvements, Thomas Deeley supports SONIC's growth and market presence within the quick-service category. The COO's leadership ensures that SONIC Drive-In continues to thrive by leveraging Inspire Brands' centralized capabilities in technology and marketing while maintaining its distinct brand identity and operational excellence.
    Thomas Deeley

    Jerid Grandinetti - President, Brand, Baskin-Robbins

    Jerid Grandinetti, the President, Brand, Baskin-Robbins at Inspire Brands, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the iconic Baskin-Robbins ice cream brand. Overseeing brand development, marketing, and franchise relations, Grandinetti focuses on enhancing customer experience and driving market growth. This leadership position involves leveraging Inspire Brands' shared ecosystem to strengthen Baskin-Robbins' unique offerings and expand its global footprint. By implementing innovative product strategies and optimizing franchise support, Jerid Grandinetti ensures the brand's continued success in the dessert category. The President's role is pivotal in maintaining brand integrity while capitalizing on opportunities for expansion and digital transformation within the competitive food and beverage landscape.

    James North - President, Brand, Jimmy John's

    James North, the President, Brand, Jimmy John's at Inspire Brands, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for the Jimmy John's gourmet sandwich chain. Overseeing brand performance, franchise development, and market expansion, North drives initiatives to enhance customer engagement and operational efficiency. This role leverages Inspire Brands' centralized capabilities to support Jimmy John's growth and innovation in the quick-service sector. By focusing on strategic marketing, operational excellence, and franchise partner success, James North ensures Jimmy John's maintains its competitive edge. The President's leadership is crucial for driving sales, expanding the brand's reach, and reinforcing its commitment to quality and speed within the Inspire Brands portfolio.
    James North

    John Dawson - President (US Development)

    John Dawson, the President (US Development) at Inspire Brands, directs strategic initiatives focused on expanding the company's presence across the United States. Overseeing franchise development and market penetration strategies, Dawson identifies and secures new growth opportunities for the diverse brand portfolio. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with potential franchisees and ensuring alignment with Inspire Brands' overall expansion objectives. By driving US development, John Dawson plays a key part in strengthening the company's market share and operational footprint. The President's focus on strategic growth and franchise support is essential for realizing Inspire Brands' vision of becoming a leading global multi-brand restaurant company.
    John Dawson

    Danielle Smith - Chief of Staff

    Danielle Smith, the Chief of Staff at Inspire Brands, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the multi-brand restaurant portfolio. Overseeing critical cross-functional projects, Smith ensures seamless execution of corporate objectives, supporting the company's mission to strengthen growth and innovation. This leadership position involves close collaboration with executive leadership to refine operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience. By managing key internal communications and driving project management frameworks, Danielle Smith facilitates the integration of distinct restaurant brands under Inspire Brands' shared ecosystem. The role demands a keen understanding of franchise development and digital transformation, ensuring all brand support functions operate cohesively to achieve market expansion and sustained customer engagement.

    Katherine Carpenter - Chief Marketing Officer, Jimmy John's

    Katherine Carpenter, the Chief Marketing Officer, Jimmy John's at Inspire Brands, leads all marketing initiatives and brand strategy for the Jimmy John's sandwich chain. Overseeing advertising, digital marketing, and consumer engagement campaigns, Carpenter drives brand awareness and customer acquisition. This role focuses on developing innovative marketing strategies that resonate with the Jimmy John's target audience and support franchise development. By leveraging data analytics and consumer insights, Katherine Carpenter ensures marketing efforts align with business objectives and enhance customer loyalty. The CMO's leadership is crucial for driving sales growth, expanding market share, and reinforcing Jimmy John's position as a leading quick-service restaurant brand within the Inspire Brands portfolio.

    Shannan Siemens - Chief Communications Officer

    Shannan Siemens, the Chief Communications Officer at Inspire Brands, directs all internal and external communication strategies for the global multi-brand restaurant company. Overseeing public relations, corporate messaging, and stakeholder engagement, Siemens ensures consistent and impactful communication across the portfolio. This leadership role involves shaping the company's narrative, managing brand reputation, and fostering strong relationships with media, employees, and franchise partners. By developing strategic communication plans, Shannan Siemens supports Inspire Brands' objectives in brand expansion and digital transformation. The CCO's expertise is vital in articulating the company's mission, leadership philosophy, and market impact to diverse audiences, reinforcing its position as a leader in the food and beverage industry.

    Kelly McCulloch - Chief People Officer

    Kelly McCulloch, the Chief People Officer at Inspire Brands, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies for the global multi-brand restaurant company. Overseeing recruitment, employee development, compensation, and benefits, McCulloch cultivates a strong organizational culture that supports growth and innovation. This critical role ensures Inspire Brands attracts, retains, and develops top talent across its diverse portfolio of brands. By implementing effective people strategies, Kelly McCulloch drives employee engagement and operational efficiency, aligning human capital with business objectives. The CPO's leadership is instrumental in fostering a supportive work environment that empowers employees and strengthens the company's ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences and achieve its expansion goals.
    Kelly McCulloch

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Inspire Brands Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Inspire Brands?
    Inspire Brands is led by Nolan Peek (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 Nolan Peek (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, Brand, Baskin-Robbins, President, Brand, Jimmy John's.