Sonic Drive-In Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sonic Drive-In has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operational scaling, financial oversight, and technological innovation.

Committed to delivering unique dining experiences, Sonic Drive-In maintains a legacy of rapid service and menu variety while driving growth across the competitive American fast-food landscape.

Leadership Roles at Sonic Drive-In

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ken Scott
  • Amp President & Chief Executive Officer - Jerome Conway
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - John Toby
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kerry Mcconathy
  • Chief Operating Officer - David Mahnke
  • Merritt Group President - Barbara Stammer
  • President - John Kelly
  • President - Michael Bonnet
  • Chief Technology Officer - Joseph Bean
  • Chief Operations Officer - Paul Dorn
  • Ken Scott - Chief Executive Officer

    Ken Scott, the Chief Executive Officer at Sonic Drive-In, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the restaurant chain. By aligning executive priorities with market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent brand growth across the United States. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of competitive positioning within the hospitality sector. Ken Scott monitors performance metrics to optimize the drive-in model for modern consumer preferences. Through rigorous analysis of industry trends, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the relevance of the brand in a crowded marketplace. Scott fosters collaboration among senior leadership to streamline decision-making processes. By prioritizing efficiency and customer satisfaction, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization. Ultimately, Scott drives the strategic initiatives that define the future trajectory of the company, ensuring that the business remains a dominant force in the quick-service restaurant industry.

    Jerome Conway - Amp President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jerome Conway, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer at Sonic Drive-In, manages the specialized Amp division to enhance operational excellence and brand reach. Focusing on the unique requirements of the drive-in format, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer architects programs that improve service speed and quality. This role requires deep integration with regional management to ensure consistent execution of corporate standards. Jerome Conway evaluates the effectiveness of current service models to identify opportunities for improvement. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer refines the customer experience to drive repeat visits. Conway coordinates with cross-functional teams to implement new menu initiatives and promotional campaigns. Through strategic oversight of the Amp division, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the brand. Ultimately, Conway delivers measurable improvements in operational efficiency and brand loyalty across the entire national footprint.

    John Toby - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    John Toby, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at Sonic Drive-In, shares responsibility for the strategic direction and organizational health of the restaurant chain. Focusing on enterprise-wide growth, the Co-Chief Executive Officer oversees the expansion of the brand into new territories while maintaining the integrity of the core business model. John Toby collaborates with the board to ensure alignment on fiscal goals and operational milestones. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving high-level partnerships that support long-term sustainability. By analyzing market shifts, the Co-Chief Executive Officer adapts the business strategy to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Toby monitors the performance of key departments to ensure that corporate objectives remain on track. Through disciplined management of resources, the Co-Chief Executive Officer optimizes the profitability of the chain. Ultimately, Toby secures the competitive advantage of the company through decisive leadership and a commitment to excellence.

    Kerry Mcconathy - Chief Financial Officer

    Kerry Mcconathy, the Chief Financial Officer at Sonic Drive-In, directs the fiscal strategy and financial reporting for the organization. Overseeing capital allocation and budget management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a strong balance sheet to support long-term growth. This role involves managing investor relations and providing transparent financial insights to the board. Kerry Mcconathy evaluates the profitability of new initiatives and monitors the financial health of the restaurant chain. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Mcconathy collaborates with other executives to align financial resources with strategic priorities. Through the analysis of market trends, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the cost structure of the business. Ultimately, Mcconathy secures the financial stability of the company, providing the necessary capital to fuel innovation and expansion across the competitive hospitality landscape.

    David Mahnke - Chief Operating Officer

    David Mahnke, the Chief Operating Officer at Sonic Drive-In, manages the internal scaling and logistical frameworks that support the restaurant chain. Focusing on the optimization of supply chain processes, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every location maintains consistent inventory levels and high-quality standards. This role involves streamlining internal workflows to reduce waste and improve profitability. David Mahnke coordinates with regional managers to implement standardized operating procedures across the national network. By analyzing performance data, the Chief Operating Officer identifies bottlenecks in the service model and executes corrective actions. Mahnke oversees the integration of new operational tools that enhance the daily productivity of restaurant teams. Through rigorous attention to detail, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the operational integrity of the brand. Ultimately, Mahnke drives the efficiency of the business, ensuring that the company delivers a reliable and high-quality experience to every customer.

    Barbara Stammer - Merritt Group President

    Barbara Stammer, the Merritt Group President at Sonic Drive-In, leads the strategic initiatives for the Merritt Group division to drive regional market penetration. Focusing on the unique demographic needs of the assigned territories, the Merritt Group President architects marketing and service programs that resonate with local communities. This role involves managing the performance of regional teams to ensure consistent brand representation. Barbara Stammer evaluates the competitive landscape to identify growth opportunities within the specific market segment. By fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders, the Merritt Group President strengthens the presence of the brand. Stammer coordinates with corporate leadership to align regional goals with the broader mission of the company. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, the Merritt Group President enhances the market share of the division. Ultimately, Stammer drives the success of the Merritt Group, ensuring that the brand remains a preferred choice for customers in the region.

    John Kelly - President

    John Kelly, the President at Sonic Drive-In, oversees the daily execution of the corporate mission and the management of key business units. Focusing on the alignment of departmental goals, the President ensures that the organization functions as a cohesive unit to achieve its strategic objectives. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to implement new service initiatives and improve the overall customer experience. John Kelly monitors the performance of the business against industry benchmarks to maintain a competitive edge. By fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, the President drives the productivity of the workforce. Kelly collaborates with the C-suite to refine the long-term strategy of the company. Through the management of day-to-day operations, the President ensures that the brand delivers on its promise of quality and speed. Ultimately, Kelly provides the leadership necessary to sustain the growth and market relevance of the restaurant chain.
    John Kelly

    Michael Bonnet - President

    Michael Bonnet, the President at Sonic Drive-In, manages the strategic development of new market segments and the expansion of the brand footprint. Focusing on the identification of growth opportunities, the President architects plans to enter new geographic areas while maintaining the core identity of the drive-in model. This role involves overseeing the integration of new locations into the existing network to ensure operational consistency. Michael Bonnet evaluates the performance of new markets to refine the expansion strategy. By collaborating with regional leadership, the President ensures that each new location meets the high standards of the company. Bonnet monitors the competitive environment to adapt the business model to local preferences. Through the strategic oversight of expansion efforts, the President drives the long-term growth of the organization. Ultimately, Bonnet secures the future of the company by successfully navigating the complexities of market expansion and brand development.
    Michael Bonnet

    Joseph Bean - Chief Technology Officer

    Joseph Bean, the Chief Technology Officer at Sonic Drive-In, architects the digital infrastructure that powers the modern drive-in experience. Overseeing the development of mobile ordering platforms and point-of-sale systems, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless integration between technology and customer service. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive consumer data across the national network. Joseph Bean evaluates emerging technologies to enhance kitchen efficiency and order accuracy. By implementing scalable software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer supports the rapid growth of the restaurant chain. Bean collaborates with operations teams to deploy digital tools that simplify the workflow for staff. Through the modernization of technical systems, the Chief Technology Officer drives innovation in the quick-service sector. Ultimately, Bean ensures that the technological foundation of the company remains robust, secure, and capable of supporting the evolving needs of the business and its customers.

    Paul Dorn - Chief Operations Officer

    Paul Dorn, the Chief Operations Officer at Sonic Drive-In, focuses on the logistics of food service and the management of physical assets across the restaurant chain. Overseeing the maintenance of the drive-in infrastructure, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that every facility meets the high standards of the brand. This role involves managing the complex logistics of food distribution to ensure that all locations receive fresh ingredients on time. Paul Dorn coordinates with local teams to optimize the layout and functionality of the drive-in stalls. By refining the service delivery process, the Chief Operations Officer improves the speed and quality of the customer experience. Dorn monitors the performance of the physical network to identify areas for renovation or expansion. Through the management of operational assets, the Chief Operations Officer supports the overall growth of the business. Ultimately, Dorn ensures that the physical operations of the company remain efficient and customer-focused.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Hospitality

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

    Who leads Sonic Drive-In?
    Sonic Drive-In is led by Ken Scott (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jerome Conway (Amp President & Chief Executive Officer) and John Toby (Co-Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Sonic Drive-In’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sonic Drive-In includes leaders such as Ken Scott (Chief Executive Officer), Jerome Conway (Amp President & Chief Executive Officer), John Toby (Co-Chief Executive Officer) 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, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.