Taco John's International Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Taco John's International has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and finance.

Driven by a commitment to quality, Taco John's International is dedicated to providing flavorful fast-food options, including snacks, desserts, tacos, and burritos, to its customer base.

Leadership Roles at Taco John's International

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jeff Brands
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Heather Neary
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kristen Sandhurst
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jacqueline Secor
  • President - Valle Larelda
  • President - Jeff Fennie
  • President - John Kuhn
  • Jeff Brands - Chief Executive Officer

    Jeff Brands, the Chief Executive Officer at Taco John's International, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the fast-food chain. Brands oversees all major business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to deliver quality snacks, desserts, tacos, and burritos. This leadership role involves guiding expansion initiatives and fostering innovation within the product development pipeline. By focusing on operational excellence and market penetration, Jeff Brands drives the company's growth trajectory. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to stakeholder relations and ensuring the financial health of the organization. Brands' strategic direction shapes the future of Taco John's International across its operational footprint. This executive guides the company's response to evolving consumer preferences and competitive market dynamics, solidifying its position in the hospitality sector.
    Jeff Brands

    Heather Neary - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Heather Neary, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Taco John's International, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution. Neary manages all facets of the business, from menu innovation to customer experience, ensuring the delivery of signature tacos, burritos, and snacks. This executive role involves fostering a culture of excellence and driving profitable growth across all markets. By optimizing supply chain logistics and enhancing operational efficiency, Heather Neary strengthens the company's competitive advantage. The President & Chief Executive Officer's purview includes significant decision-making regarding market expansion and brand development. Neary's leadership ensures Taco John's International remains a leader in the fast-food industry, adapting to consumer demands and market trends. This executive guides the company's overall performance and strategic positioning.

    Kristen Sandhurst - Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Sandhurst, the Chief Financial Officer at Taco John's International, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Sandhurst oversees all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the profitability of snack, dessert, taco, and burrito sales. This executive role involves developing financial strategies to support business growth and optimize resource allocation. By analyzing financial data and identifying key performance indicators, Kristen Sandhurst guides investment decisions and risk management. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to capital management and investor relations, securing the financial stability of Taco John's International. Sandhurst's financial acumen is vital for strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability. This executive ensures robust financial controls and reporting.

    Jacqueline Secor - Chief Operating Officer

    Jacqueline Secor, the Chief Operating Officer at Taco John's International, directs all day-to-day operational activities across the restaurant network. Secor focuses on optimizing efficiency and maintaining high standards for food quality and customer service, ensuring the consistent delivery of tacos, burritos, and snacks. This executive role involves overseeing restaurant management, supply chain operations, and franchise support. By implementing best practices and driving operational improvements, Jacqueline Secor enhances the overall customer experience. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include managing operational budgets and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Secor's leadership is critical to the smooth functioning of Taco John's International, supporting its growth and market presence. This executive ensures seamless execution of business strategies at the unit level.
    Jacqueline Secor

    Valle Larelda - President

    Valle Larelda, the President at Taco John's International, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight for key business segments. Larelda focuses on enhancing the company's market position through innovative product offerings and superior customer engagement, ensuring the quality of tacos, burritos, and snacks. This executive role involves leading cross-functional teams to achieve corporate objectives and foster growth. By identifying new market opportunities and optimizing existing operations, Valle Larelda contributes to the company's expansion. The President's responsibilities include managing relationships with stakeholders and ensuring alignment with the overall business strategy. Larelda's leadership is instrumental in navigating the competitive landscape of the fast-food industry. This executive champions initiatives that enhance brand value and customer loyalty.

    Jeff Fennie - President

    Jeff Fennie, the President at Taco John's International, directs strategic planning and operational execution across designated business units. Fennie is responsible for driving performance improvements and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality fast-food items, including tacos, burritos, and snacks. This executive role involves overseeing market development and enhancing operational efficiencies to support company-wide objectives. By fostering strong relationships with franchise partners and internal teams, Jeff Fennie promotes collaborative growth. The President's purview includes managing key performance indicators and implementing strategies to boost revenue and market share. Fennie's leadership is crucial for maintaining Taco John's International's competitive edge. This executive guides strategic decisions impacting operational success and brand reputation.

    John Kuhn - President

    John Kuhn, the President at Taco John's International, leads strategic development and operational management for critical areas of the business. Kuhn focuses on enhancing the company's product portfolio and customer experience, ensuring the excellence of snacks, desserts, tacos, and burritos. This executive role involves guiding teams to achieve ambitious growth targets and operational benchmarks. By championing new initiatives and optimizing resource deployment, John Kuhn strengthens the company's market presence. The President's responsibilities include overseeing strategic partnerships and driving innovation in product development and service delivery. Kuhn's leadership is essential for Taco John's International's continued success and expansion. This executive ensures strategic alignment and operational effectiveness across departments.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Taco John's International Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Taco John's International?
    Taco John's International is led by Jeff Brands (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Heather Neary (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Kristen Sandhurst (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Taco John's International’s executive team?
    The executive team of Taco John's International includes leaders such as Jeff Brands (Chief Executive Officer), Heather Neary (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kristen Sandhurst (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Taco John's International have?
    Taco John's International has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Taco John's International’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Taco John's International includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.