Jack in the Box Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jack in the Box has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, financial strategy, accounting oversight, and human capital management.

Focused on delivering diverse dining experiences across North America, Jack in the Box maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth within the competitive quick-service and fast-casual restaurant sectors.

Leadership Roles at Jack in the Box

  • Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Dawn Hooper
  • Chief Financial Officer, CAO - Charles Duddles
  • Chief Operating Officer - Paul Schultz
  • Senior VP & Chief People Officer - Steve Piano
  • Dawn Hooper - Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Dawn Hooper, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer at Jack in the Box, manages the overarching financial health and capital allocation strategies. Overseeing long-term fiscal planning, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between investment priorities and corporate growth targets. This leadership role involves directing investor relations and communicating financial performance to stakeholders. By analyzing market trends and economic indicators, Dawn Hooper shapes the budgetary framework that supports expansion into new territories. Hooper monitors liquidity and debt management to secure the financial stability of the organization. Through the implementation of robust financial reporting systems, the Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer provides the transparency necessary for informed decision-making at the board level. This strategic oversight of capital resources enables the company to pursue aggressive growth initiatives while maintaining a strong balance sheet in the highly competitive restaurant industry.
    Dawn Hooper

    Charles Duddles - Chief Financial Officer, CAO

    Charles Duddles, the Chief Financial Officer, CAO at Jack in the Box, directs the internal accounting functions and regulatory compliance frameworks. Overseeing the integrity of financial statements, the Chief Financial Officer, CAO ensures adherence to strict reporting standards and tax obligations. This leadership role involves managing internal audits and mitigating financial risks across the entire enterprise. By refining accounting processes, Charles Duddles enhances the accuracy of fiscal data used for strategic planning. Duddles coordinates with external auditors to maintain full transparency regarding the financial position of the company. Through the rigorous oversight of corporate accounting, the Chief Financial Officer, CAO supports the maintenance of strong internal controls. This focus on financial governance provides the foundation for sustainable business operations, ensuring that all fiscal activities remain compliant with industry regulations while supporting the broader financial objectives of the organization.

    Paul Schultz - Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Schultz, the Chief Operating Officer at Jack in the Box, directs all restaurant-level execution and franchise support systems. Overseeing the daily performance of thousands of quick-service locations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent service standards across diverse regional markets. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chain logistics and streamlining kitchen workflows to maximize throughput. By implementing rigorous quality control protocols, Paul Schultz directly impacts the efficiency of the entire restaurant network. Schultz manages the integration of new menu items into existing operational frameworks, ensuring that the brand maintains its competitive edge. Through constant monitoring of store-level metrics, the Chief Operating Officer drives profitability and operational scalability. This focus on performance excellence supports the broader corporate objective of expanding the footprint of the brand while maintaining high customer satisfaction levels across all franchised and company-operated units.

    Steve Piano - Senior VP & Chief People Officer

    Steve Piano, the Senior VP & Chief People Officer at Jack in the Box, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing talent acquisition and employee retention programs, the Senior VP & Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the service-oriented mission of the company. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training modules that elevate staff performance across all restaurant locations. By fostering a culture of professional growth, Steve Piano drives engagement and productivity within the corporate and field teams. Piano manages compensation structures and benefits administration to attract top-tier talent in a tight labor market. Through the implementation of inclusive workplace policies, the Senior VP & Chief People Officer strengthens the organizational foundation. This focus on human capital management directly supports the operational success of the brand by ensuring that every team member contributes effectively to the overall customer experience.
    Steve Piano

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jack in the Box Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jack in the Box?
    Jack in the Box is led by Dawn Hooper (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Charles Duddles (Chief Financial Officer, CAO) and Paul Schultz (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Jack in the Box’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jack in the Box includes leaders such as Dawn Hooper (Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer), Charles Duddles (Chief Financial Officer, CAO), Paul Schultz (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jack in the Box have?
    Jack in the Box has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jack in the Box’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jack in the Box includes roles such as Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, CAO, Chief Operating Officer, Senior VP & Chief People Officer.