Sonic Drive-In Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sonic Drive-In has 11 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Sonic Drive-In focuses on delivering a unique fast-food experience, impacting the American culinary landscape through its distinctive drive-in model and extensive menu offerings.

Leadership Roles at Sonic Drive-In

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ken Bowen
  • Amp President & Chief Executive Officer - Jerome Conway
  • Sonic Data Solutions Inc Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Donny Stillwell
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - John Toby
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sambor Baraba
  • Chief Operating Officer - Tim Griggs
  • Merritt Group President - Barbara Stammer
  • President - Shiraz Sutar
  • Chief Technology Officer - Joseph Bean
  • Chief Operations Officer - Paul Dorn
  • Ken Bowen - Chief Executive Officer

    Ken Bowen, the Chief Executive Officer at Sonic Drive-In, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Bowen guides the company's expansion initiatives and ensures alignment with market demands, leveraging the established drive-in model to enhance customer engagement. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation across all business units to drive sustainable growth and profitability. Bowen's strategic vision shapes the company's direction, focusing on innovation within the fast-food sector and maintaining Sonic Drive-In's competitive edge. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering a culture of excellence and driving operational efficiencies throughout the organization. Ken Bowen's influence is critical in navigating the dynamic restaurant industry, ensuring the brand's continued success and market leadership.

    Jerome Conway - Amp President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jerome Conway, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer at Sonic Drive-In, spearheads the strategic direction and operational oversight for the Amp division. Conway drives the integration of advanced technologies and service enhancements within the drive-in experience, focusing on customer convenience and operational fluidity. This executive position involves cultivating strategic partnerships and ensuring the Amp segment's robust growth trajectory. Conway's leadership ensures that the Amp division effectively contributes to Sonic Drive-In's overall market presence and revenue generation. The Amp President & Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes driving innovation in service delivery and operational models. Jerome Conway's expertise is vital in advancing the company's technological capabilities and enhancing its competitive positioning in the fast-food landscape.

    Donny Stillwell - Sonic Data Solutions Inc Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Donny Stillwell, the Sonic Data Solutions Inc Chief Executive Officer & Founder at Sonic Drive-In, architects the strategic vision and operational framework for the company's data solutions arm. Stillwell pioneers the development and implementation of data-driven strategies, enhancing operational efficiency and customer insights across the Sonic Drive-In network. This founder's role involves leading technological innovation and ensuring the robust scalability of data infrastructure. Stillwell's entrepreneurial leadership drives the evolution of data analytics and its application within the fast-food industry. The Sonic Data Solutions Inc Chief Executive Officer & Founder's focus is on leveraging data to inform business decisions and optimize customer experiences. Donny Stillwell's foundational contributions are key to Sonic Drive-In's data-centric approach to growth and operational excellence.

    John Toby - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    John Toby, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Sonic Drive-In, collaborates on the executive leadership team to define and execute the company's strategic objectives. Toby shares responsibility for driving operational performance and fostering innovation across all facets of the business. This leadership position involves overseeing key strategic initiatives and ensuring seamless integration of departmental functions to achieve corporate goals. Toby's collaborative approach contributes to the company's agility and responsiveness to market dynamics. The Co-Chief Executive Officer's role is integral to maintaining Sonic Drive-In's competitive advantage and driving long-term value creation. John Toby's partnership in executive leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern restaurant industry and ensuring sustained business success.

    Sambor Baraba - Chief Financial Officer

    Sambor Baraba, the Chief Financial Officer at Sonic Drive-In, manages the company's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Baraba oversees all aspects of financial planning and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and driving profitability across the organization. This critical role involves managing capital allocation, investment strategies, and risk management to support Sonic Drive-In's long-term financial health. Baraba's expertise is vital in guiding the company's financial strategy and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Chief Financial Officer's purview includes optimizing financial performance and identifying opportunities for revenue enhancement. Sambor Baraba's financial acumen is instrumental in maintaining Sonic Drive-In's stability and supporting its strategic growth objectives.

    Tim Griggs - Chief Operating Officer

    Tim Griggs, the Chief Operating Officer at Sonic Drive-In, directs the day-to-day operational activities and ensures the efficient functioning of all restaurant locations. Griggs oversees the implementation of operational standards, focusing on service quality, food safety, and customer satisfaction across the extensive drive-in network. This executive role involves managing supply chain logistics and optimizing operational workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Griggs' leadership ensures that Sonic Drive-In maintains consistent brand standards and delivers an exceptional customer experience. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include driving operational improvements and supporting franchise partners in achieving their business objectives. Tim Griggs' focus on operational excellence is fundamental to Sonic Drive-In's consistent performance and market presence.

    Barbara Stammer - Merritt Group President

    Barbara Stammer, the Merritt Group President at Sonic Drive-In, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the Merritt Group division. Stammer drives the growth and performance of this specific business unit, ensuring alignment with Sonic Drive-In's broader corporate objectives. This executive position involves overseeing all aspects of the Merritt Group's operations, including market expansion and service innovation. Stammer's leadership focuses on enhancing the division's contribution to the company's overall success. The Merritt Group President's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring the division's competitive positioning. Barbara Stammer's dedicated leadership is vital for the continued development and success of the Merritt Group within the Sonic Drive-In ecosystem.

    Shiraz Sutar - President

    Shiraz Sutar, the President at Sonic Drive-In, holds a pivotal leadership position overseeing key strategic initiatives and operational functions. Sutar drives the execution of corporate strategies, focusing on enhancing brand value and expanding market reach. This executive role involves collaborating with other senior leaders to achieve organizational goals and foster sustainable growth. Sutar's leadership contributes to the overall direction and success of Sonic Drive-In. The President's responsibilities encompass driving performance improvements and ensuring operational alignment across various business segments. Shiraz Sutar's strategic oversight is essential for navigating the competitive landscape and reinforcing Sonic Drive-In's market position.

    Joseph Bean - Chief Technology Officer

    Joseph Bean, the Chief Technology Officer at Sonic Drive-In, leads the company's technology strategy and oversees the development and implementation of innovative digital solutions. Bean directs the IT infrastructure, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and enhancing the technological capabilities that support Sonic Drive-In's operations and customer engagement platforms. This executive position involves driving digital transformation initiatives and leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience. Bean's vision guides the integration of cutting-edge technologies to maintain Sonic Drive-In's competitive edge. The Chief Technology Officer's responsibilities include managing technology investments and ensuring the scalability and reliability of all IT systems. Joseph Bean's technical leadership is crucial for Sonic Drive-In's ongoing digital evolution and operational advancement.

    Paul Dorn - Chief Operations Officer

    Paul Dorn, the Chief Operations Officer at Sonic Drive-In, directs operational strategies focused on enhancing efficiency and service delivery across the restaurant network. Dorn oversees the execution of operational policies and procedures, ensuring consistent quality and customer satisfaction at every drive-in location. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chain management and driving process improvements to support business objectives. Dorn's focus is on streamlining operations and maximizing resource utilization to achieve superior performance. The Chief Operations Officer's mandate includes fostering a culture of operational excellence and supporting franchise growth. Paul Dorn's operational expertise is key to maintaining Sonic Drive-In's high standards and driving consistent business results.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sonic Drive-In Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sonic Drive-In?
    Sonic Drive-In is led by Ken Bowen (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jerome Conway (Amp President & Chief Executive Officer) and Donny Stillwell (Sonic Data Solutions Inc Chief Executive Officer & Founder).
    Who is part of Sonic Drive-In’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sonic Drive-In includes leaders such as Ken Bowen (Chief Executive Officer), Jerome Conway (Amp President & Chief Executive Officer), Donny Stillwell (Sonic Data Solutions Inc Chief Executive Officer & Founder) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sonic Drive-In have?
    Sonic Drive-In has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sonic Drive-In’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sonic Drive-In includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Amp President & Chief Executive Officer, Sonic Data Solutions Inc Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.