Leadership Overview
Popeyes has 10 executives leading key functions including global strategy, regional operations, technology, and marketing.
Focused on delivering authentic culinary experiences, Popeyes maintains a commitment to high-quality fast-food standards while expanding market presence through strategic franchise growth and operational excellence across diverse international territories.
Focused on delivering authentic culinary experiences, Popeyes maintains a commitment to high-quality fast-food standards while expanding market presence through strategic franchise growth and operational excellence across diverse international territories.
Leadership Roles at Popeyes
Tony Pee - Chief Executive Officer
Tony Pee, the Chief Executive Officer at Popeyes, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the global restaurant chain. Overseeing the expansion of the brand, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality across all franchise locations. This leadership role involves managing relationships with stakeholders and driving profitability through innovative menu development and supply chain optimization. By aligning operational goals with market demands, Tony Pee directly impacts the competitive positioning of the company within the fast-food industry. Pee maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the brand remains a leader in the quick-service sector. Through rigorous oversight of corporate initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization while fostering a culture of excellence that permeates every level of the business, ultimately strengthening the market footprint of the company.
Jim Li - Chief Executive Officer (China)
Jim Li, the Chief Executive Officer (China) at Popeyes, directs all business activities and market penetration strategies within the Chinese region. Overseeing the rapid scaling of restaurant footprints, the Chief Executive Officer (China) ensures that local consumer preferences align with the core brand identity. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and managing local supply chain logistics to maintain product consistency. By optimizing regional operational workflows, Jim Li directly impacts the growth trajectory of the brand in this critical market. Li coordinates with international leadership to implement global standards while adapting marketing tactics for local audiences. Through the execution of targeted expansion plans, the Chief Executive Officer (China) secures a dominant position for the company, driving revenue and brand loyalty across the vast and competitive landscape of the Chinese fast-food sector.
Galiya Balkibekova - Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan)
Galiya Balkibekova, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) at Popeyes, directs the establishment and operational success of the brand within the Kazakhstan market. Overseeing the development of new restaurant sites, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) ensures that every location adheres to strict quality and service protocols. This leadership role involves building local partnerships and managing the workforce to deliver the signature culinary experience to regional customers. By refining operational processes, Galiya Balkibekova directly impacts the brand reputation and customer satisfaction levels in the region. Balkibekova monitors market trends to adjust service offerings, ensuring that the company remains relevant and competitive. Through the implementation of strategic growth initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Kazakhstan) secures a strong market presence, driving long-term success and operational efficiency for the brand in Central Asia.
Anjum Aziz - President & Chief Executive Officer
Anjum Aziz, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Popeyes, directs the comprehensive management of the organization, focusing on high-level strategic planning and corporate governance. Overseeing the integration of various departments, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all business units work in harmony to achieve company objectives. This leadership role involves setting performance benchmarks and driving initiatives that enhance operational efficiency across the entire franchise network. By fostering innovation in product development and service delivery, Anjum Aziz directly impacts the overall market performance of the company. Aziz collaborates with the board to define the future direction of the brand, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the industry. Through the application of rigorous management standards, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the stability and growth of the organization, maintaining a focus on delivering value to customers and stakeholders alike.
Jeff Szush - Chief Operating Officer
Jeff Szush, the Chief Operating Officer at Popeyes, directs the internal scaling and day-to-day operational efficiency of the restaurant chain. Overseeing the optimization of kitchen workflows and service speed, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every restaurant maintains peak performance standards. This leadership role involves managing the complex logistics of food preparation and staff training to guarantee consistency across the franchise network. By streamlining operational procedures, Jeff Szush directly impacts the profitability and customer experience of the company. Szush works closely with regional managers to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions that enhance productivity. Through the continuous refinement of operational systems, the Chief Operating Officer secures a competitive advantage, ensuring that the brand delivers high-quality service efficiently. This focus on operational excellence supports the broader growth strategy, allowing the company to scale effectively while maintaining the integrity of the brand promise.
Mamoon Fakira - Chief Operating Officer & Head of Store Operations
Mamoon Fakira, the Chief Operating Officer & Head of Store Operations at Popeyes, directs the supply chain logistics and physical store management to ensure seamless operations. Overseeing the procurement of ingredients and the distribution network, the Chief Operating Officer & Head of Store Operations ensures that every restaurant has the necessary resources to meet customer demand. This leadership role involves managing vendor relationships and optimizing inventory levels to reduce waste and improve margins. By coordinating the supply chain with store-level execution, Mamoon Fakira directly impacts the cost-effectiveness and reliability of the company. Fakira monitors store performance metrics to ensure that operational standards are met consistently across all locations. Through the management of the supply chain and store operations, the Chief Operating Officer & Head of Store Operations secures the operational foundation of the brand, enabling sustainable growth and consistent product quality.
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, directs the integration of data-driven insights into global operational workflows. Overseeing the analysis of performance metrics across international markets, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Data Office Business Operations Specialist ensures that operational decisions are backed by rigorous data. This leadership role involves standardizing reporting processes and identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements on a global scale. By leveraging data to optimize business operations, Airi Ryu directly impacts the strategic agility and performance of the company. Ryu coordinates with regional teams to implement data-informed strategies that enhance productivity and service quality. Through the application of advanced analytical tools, the Global Chief Operating Officer & Data Office Business Operations Specialist secures a data-centric culture, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to market shifts and operational challenges worldwide.
Jeffrey Klein - President (USA, Canada)
Jeffrey Klein, the President (USA, Canada) at Popeyes, directs the regional business strategy and operational execution across the North American market. Overseeing the growth of the franchise network in these territories, the President (USA, Canada) ensures that the brand maintains a strong competitive position. This leadership role involves managing regional marketing efforts and ensuring that store operations align with the overarching corporate mission. By driving initiatives that increase market penetration in the United States and Canada, Jeffrey Klein directly impacts the revenue and brand recognition of the company. Klein works with regional stakeholders to address local market challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. Through the implementation of targeted regional strategies, the President (USA, Canada) secures the continued success of the brand in North America, fostering a robust and profitable presence that contributes significantly to the global objectives of the organization.

Khaled Abufardeh - Chief Technology Officer
Khaled Abufardeh, the Chief Technology Officer at Popeyes, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the company. Overseeing the implementation of advanced point-of-sale systems and mobile ordering platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the brand remains at the cutting edge of digital customer engagement. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data analytics to drive informed business decisions. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, Khaled Abufardeh directly impacts the efficiency of restaurant operations and the convenience of the customer experience. Abufardeh collaborates with other executives to integrate technology into the core business model, facilitating seamless transactions and inventory management. Through the deployment of innovative software tools, the Chief Technology Officer secures the digital future of the company, ensuring that the brand remains agile and responsive to the evolving technological needs of the global fast-food market.
Susan Chiang - Chief Marketing Officer
Susan Chiang, the Chief Marketing Officer at Popeyes, directs the global brand strategy and promotional campaigns that define the market presence of the company. Overseeing the creative direction and advertising initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand message resonates with diverse consumer demographics. This leadership role involves managing media partnerships and digital marketing channels to maximize brand visibility and customer acquisition. By crafting compelling narratives around the product offerings, Susan Chiang directly impacts the sales performance and market share of the company. Chiang analyzes consumer behavior data to refine marketing tactics, ensuring that the brand remains top-of-mind for customers. Through the execution of high-impact campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer secures a strong emotional connection with the audience, driving brand loyalty and supporting the overall growth objectives of the organization in a highly competitive landscape.
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