Popeyes Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Popeyes has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, and financial oversight.

Focused on delivering authentic Louisiana-style culinary experiences, Popeyes maintains a commitment to rapid global expansion and operational excellence within the competitive fast-food restaurant sector.

Leadership Roles at Popeyes

  • Chief Executive Officer - Tony Pee
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Joseph Niswonger
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Anjum Aziz
  • Chief Executive Officer (China) - Jim Li
  • Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) - Galiya Balkibekova
  • Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) - Galiya Balkybekova
  • Chief Financial Officer - Mel Hope
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeff Szush
  • Global Chief Operating Officer & Data Office Business Operations Specialist - Airi Ryu
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Susan Chiang
  • Tony Pee - Chief Executive Officer

    Tony Pee, the Chief Executive Officer at Popeyes, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the brand. By prioritizing menu innovation and supply chain efficiency, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality across all franchise locations. Tony Pee manages high-level relationships with stakeholders to drive sustainable growth in the competitive quick-service industry. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to maintain a strong competitive advantage while overseeing the expansion of the restaurant footprint. Through rigorous performance monitoring, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes operational workflows to maximize profitability. By fostering a culture of excellence, the executive secures the brand position as a leader in the hospitality sector. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the strategic initiatives necessary to scale the business effectively across diverse markets while maintaining the core identity of the organization.

    Joseph Niswonger - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Joseph Niswonger, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Popeyes, architects the organizational structure and internal governance frameworks. Overseeing the integration of corporate policies, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between regional franchise operations and the global brand mission. Joseph Niswonger manages the executive leadership team to streamline decision-making processes and enhance operational agility. This role requires constant evaluation of business performance metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency gains. By implementing standardized operational protocols, the President & Chief Executive Officer supports consistent service delivery across the entire restaurant network. The executive focuses on strengthening the franchise model to ensure long-term viability and market penetration. Through strategic oversight of internal resources, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the operational integrity of the brand while navigating the complexities of the modern hospitality landscape.

    Anjum Aziz - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Anjum Aziz, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Popeyes, drives the expansion of the brand into emerging markets and oversees international development initiatives. By cultivating partnerships with local operators, the President & Chief Executive Officer facilitates the successful entry of the restaurant chain into new geographic territories. Anjum Aziz manages the strategic planning required to adapt the menu and service model to diverse consumer preferences while preserving the authentic brand identity. This leadership role involves coordinating with global supply chain partners to ensure consistent ingredient quality and operational standards. Through the execution of market-specific growth strategies, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the global footprint of the organization. By prioritizing sustainable development and local engagement, the executive strengthens the international presence of the brand. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive standing of the company on a global scale.

    Jim Li - Chief Executive Officer (China)

    Jim Li, the Chief Executive Officer (China) at Popeyes, directs all business operations and market development activities within the Chinese market. By tailoring the customer experience to local dining habits, the Chief Executive Officer (China) accelerates brand adoption and store growth. Jim Li manages the regional team to ensure that operational standards meet the high expectations of the local consumer base. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and competitive landscapes to secure a dominant market position. Through the implementation of localized marketing and operational strategies, the Chief Executive Officer (China) drives revenue growth and brand loyalty. By optimizing the supply chain for regional sourcing, the executive ensures cost-effectiveness and product consistency. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer (China) establishes the brand as a premier choice in the fast-food sector by leveraging deep market insights and operational expertise.

    Galiya Balkibekova - Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan)

    Galiya Balkibekova, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) at Popeyes, oversees the launch and management of restaurant operations within the Kazakhstan market. By establishing robust operational foundations, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) ensures that every location adheres to the strict quality standards of the global brand. Galiya Balkibekova manages the recruitment and training of local staff to maintain high service levels. This role involves coordinating with regional suppliers to secure the necessary ingredients for the signature menu items. Through the execution of targeted growth plans, the executive expands the presence of the brand in the region. By monitoring daily performance and customer feedback, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) continuously refines the operational approach to maximize efficiency and profitability. The executive plays a vital role in building brand awareness and loyalty in this specific market.

    Galiya Balkybekova - Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan)

    Galiya Balkybekova, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) at Popeyes, focuses on the strategic scaling of the restaurant network across the Kazakhstan territory. By analyzing regional consumer data, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) identifies prime locations for new store openings and optimizes the existing portfolio. Galiya Balkybekova manages the financial performance of the regional business unit to ensure alignment with corporate profitability targets. This role involves fostering strong relationships with local business partners and government entities to facilitate smooth operations. Through the implementation of innovative service models, the executive enhances the overall dining experience for local customers. By maintaining a focus on operational excellence and brand consistency, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) drives the long-term success of the brand in the region. The executive ensures that all regional activities support the broader mission of the company.

    Mel Hope - Chief Financial Officer

    Mel Hope, the Chief Financial Officer at Popeyes, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital allocation strategies for the organization. By overseeing the budgeting process and financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the fiscal health and stability of the company. Mel Hope manages the treasury and accounting functions to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and internal controls. This role involves providing strategic financial insights to the executive team to support informed decision-making regarding expansion and investment opportunities. Through the rigorous analysis of operational costs and revenue streams, the executive identifies areas for margin improvement and efficiency gains. By maintaining strong relationships with investors and financial institutions, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital necessary for long-term growth. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer safeguards the financial integrity of the brand while supporting the strategic objectives of the leadership team.
    Mel Hope

    Jeff Szush - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeff Szush, the Chief Operating Officer at Popeyes, directs the day-to-day restaurant operations and supply chain logistics to ensure seamless service delivery. By optimizing kitchen workflows and inventory management, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the speed and quality of food preparation across the franchise network. Jeff Szush manages the field operations team to ensure that every location adheres to safety, health, and brand standards. This role involves implementing technology solutions to streamline order processing and improve the customer experience. Through the continuous monitoring of operational KPIs, the executive identifies bottlenecks and implements corrective actions to maintain high performance. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer supports the growth and profitability of the restaurant chain. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the operational infrastructure is capable of supporting the ambitious expansion goals of the organization.

    Airi Ryu - Global Chief Operating Officer & Data Office Business Operations Specialist

    Airi Ryu, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Data Office Business Operations Specialist at Popeyes, architects the data-driven operational framework that supports global business activities. By integrating advanced analytics into daily operations, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Data Office Business Operations Specialist enables data-informed decision-making across all regions. Airi Ryu manages the intersection of operational efficiency and data governance to ensure that business processes are both scalable and transparent. This role involves collaborating with IT and operations teams to deploy digital tools that enhance productivity and reduce waste. Through the analysis of operational data, the executive identifies trends that inform strategic planning and resource allocation. By bridging the gap between technical data capabilities and practical restaurant operations, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Data Office Business Operations Specialist drives innovation and performance. Ultimately, the executive ensures that the company remains at the forefront of operational efficiency through the strategic use of data.

    Susan Chiang - Chief Marketing Officer

    Susan Chiang, the Chief Marketing Officer at Popeyes, architects the global brand strategy and consumer engagement initiatives. By leveraging digital platforms and traditional media, the Chief Marketing Officer drives brand awareness and customer acquisition across diverse demographics. Susan Chiang manages the creative and analytical teams to ensure that all marketing campaigns resonate with the target audience while maintaining brand consistency. This role involves collaborating with product development teams to launch new menu items and promotional events that capture market interest. Through the optimization of the marketing funnel, the executive increases customer retention and lifetime value. By analyzing campaign performance metrics, the Chief Marketing Officer refines the communication strategy to maximize return on investment. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the market position of the brand by crafting compelling narratives that highlight the unique value proposition of the restaurant chain.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Popeyes Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Popeyes?
    Popeyes is led by Tony Pee (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Joseph Niswonger (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Anjum Aziz (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Popeyes’s executive team?
    The executive team of Popeyes includes leaders such as Tony Pee (Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Niswonger (President & Chief Executive Officer), Anjum Aziz (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Popeyes have?
    Popeyes has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Popeyes’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Popeyes includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (China), Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan).