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.

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.”

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.