Taco John's International Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Taco John's International has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational excellence, and regional market expansion.

Committed to delivering high-quality quick-service dining, Taco John's International maintains a focus on menu innovation and operational efficiency to ensure consistent growth across the competitive fast-food landscape.

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 - Jackie Secor
  • President - Valle Larelda
  • President - Jeff Fennie
  • 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 brand. Brands focuses on scaling the restaurant footprint while maintaining the integrity of the menu offerings. By aligning executive leadership with market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that Taco John's International remains a dominant force in the quick-service sector. Jeff Brands monitors competitive trends across North American markets to identify new growth opportunities. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize capital allocation and brand positioning. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable profitability. Ultimately, Brands secures the future of the company by fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the entire franchise network, ensuring that every location meets the high standards expected by customers.
    Jeff Brands

    Heather Neary - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Heather Neary, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Taco John's International, manages the daily execution of business objectives and strategic initiatives. Neary oversees the integration of new menu items and operational workflows to enhance customer satisfaction. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Heather Neary coordinates with department heads to streamline supply chain logistics and marketing efforts. This role requires balancing immediate operational needs with the broader mission of expanding the brand presence. By analyzing performance metrics, the President & Chief Executive Officer identifies areas for efficiency improvements across all regional operations. Neary maintains a focus on strengthening franchise relationships to ensure consistent service quality. Through proactive leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the company toward achieving ambitious revenue targets while upholding the core values that define the brand identity in the fast-food industry.
    Heather Neary

    Kristen Sandhurst - Chief Financial Officer

    Kristen Sandhurst, the Chief Financial Officer at Taco John's International, directs all fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting processes. Sandhurst manages capital structure and investment strategies to support the expansion of the restaurant chain. As the Chief Financial Officer, Kristen Sandhurst ensures compliance with regulatory standards while providing the executive team with actionable insights regarding profitability and cost management. This leadership role involves evaluating the financial health of various regional markets to guide resource allocation. By optimizing cash flow and managing debt obligations, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the balance sheet of Taco John's International. Sandhurst collaborates with other leaders to assess the financial viability of new menu launches and marketing campaigns. Through meticulous analysis and strategic forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term economic stability of the organization, enabling continued investment in infrastructure and brand development.

    Jackie Secor - Chief Operating Officer

    Jackie Secor, the Chief Operating Officer at Taco John's International, directs the internal scaling of restaurant operations and service delivery standards. Secor oversees the implementation of new technology in kitchens to improve speed and food quality. As the Chief Operating Officer, Jackie Secor manages the day-to-day performance of the franchise network, ensuring that operational protocols align with corporate goals. This role involves frequent interaction with regional managers to troubleshoot bottlenecks and enhance productivity. By standardizing procedures across all locations, the Chief Operating Officer drives consistency in the customer experience. Secor also leads initiatives to optimize labor management and inventory control, directly impacting the bottom line. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that Taco John's International maintains high operational efficiency, supporting the overall growth strategy and reinforcing the brand reputation for quality and reliability.
    Jackie Secor

    Valle Larelda - President

    Valle Larelda, the President at Taco John's International, directs the development of new market entry strategies and brand expansion efforts. Larelda focuses on identifying untapped geographic regions for potential franchise growth. As the President, Valle Larelda coordinates with the marketing and development teams to tailor the brand message for diverse consumer bases. This leadership role involves overseeing the expansion of the restaurant footprint into new territories while maintaining brand consistency. By fostering partnerships with local developers, the President accelerates the growth of the company. Larelda monitors market trends to ensure that the brand remains relevant and competitive in evolving landscapes. Through strategic planning and execution, the President drives the expansion of the Taco John's International presence, ensuring that the company reaches a wider audience while maintaining the high standards of service and product quality that define the brand.

    Jeff Fennie - President

    Jeff Fennie, the President at Taco John's International, directs the optimization of existing franchise performance and operational support systems. Fennie focuses on enhancing the profitability of current locations through improved training programs and resource support. As the President, Jeff Fennie works closely with franchise owners to implement best practices that drive sales and customer loyalty. This leadership role involves analyzing regional performance data to provide targeted guidance and support. By streamlining communication between corporate and the field, the President ensures that all locations adhere to the core mission of the brand. Fennie also leads efforts to refine the menu and service offerings based on direct feedback from the field. Through dedicated support and strategic oversight, the President strengthens the foundation of Taco John's International, ensuring that every franchise location contributes effectively to the overall success and growth of the company.

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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 6 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.