Potbelly operates around 426 outlets in the US. Credit: JHVEPhoto vis Shutterstock.com.

US-based fast casual restaurant chain Potbelly has expanded its senior leadership team with two new appointments.

The restaurant brand has appointed Patrick Walsh as its new chief people officer and Lynette McKee as its new senior vice-president of Franchising.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Walsh was previously associated with Oil-Dri Corporation of America, where he served as its vice-president and head of human resources.

He also has experience in the restaurant industry, having held a leadership position overseeing human resources and talent acquisition at Pizza Hut.

At Potbelly, Walsh will oversee and lead the brand’s people team and human resources across the company.

Walsh said: “I am excited to join such an iconic brand, particularly as we accelerate our growth. I’m enthusiastic about continuing to evolve our work culture and introduce Potbelly to more team members in new regions.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

With more than 25 years of experience in the franchising space, McKee most recently owned and operated her own consulting practice.

Prior to that, she served as the executive director of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Potbelly president and CEO Bob Wright said: “Franchise-focused development is one of our five strategic pillars to drive long-term profitability and growth.

“Lynette’s deep expertise in the franchising space and her proven ability to build and execute successful franchising strategies at major restaurant brands will be invaluable as we continue to scale the Potbelly brand nationwide.

“We are thrilled to welcome her to the team and look forward to working together to execute against our long-term growth strategy.”

In April this year, Potbelly signed a 16-unit shop development agreement with Stellar Hospitality to increase its store footprint across two markets in Florida.