Miami, Florida, United States, November 2024 – Subway, one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, has announced that John Chidsey, its Global Chief Executive Officer, will retire at the end of 2024 after five transformative years at the helm. Carrie Walsh, currently Subway’s President of EMEA and former Global Chief Marketing Officer, will serve as Interim CEO, effective January 2025, while the company searches for a permanent successor.
“I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO, continuing to drive key initiatives to help boost franchisee profitability and delight our guests through innovation,” said Walsh. “Through collaboration with the Subway leadership team, employees, and our valued franchisees, we will keep elevating the Subway experience and deliver fresh, quality food to more guests around the globe.”
Chidsey joined Subway in 2019 as the brand’s first CEO from outside the founding family. Under his leadership, Subway underwent a significant transformation that included:
- Menu and guest experience innovation to align with evolving consumer preferences.
- Accelerated digital transformation that enhanced operational efficiency and customer engagement.
- A strategic global growth plan that attracted experienced multi-unit operators and master franchisees.
As a result, Subway now has commitments for over 10,000 future restaurants and is on track to double its new restaurant openings compared to 2019.
“It has been a privilege to lead Subway through a period of exciting change, and I am so proud of what the team has achieved together,” said Chidsey. “I’ve worked closely with Carrie over the past five years, and I’ve witnessed firsthand her deep understanding of what it takes for a global brand to grow and evolve.”
Chidsey will transition to a consulting role, focusing on Subway’s international growth and master franchisee relationships.
With over two decades of experience in branding, operations, and marketing across the restaurant, retail, and consumer sectors, Walsh is well-positioned to lead Subway during this transitional phase.
Walsh joined Subway in 2019 as Global Chief Marketing Officer, where she elevated the brand’s global presence and attracted new and returning customers. In her most recent role as President of EMEA, she oversaw operations, finance, marketing, and development across 50 countries and territories, driving growth and enhancing Subway’s footprint in its second-largest region.
Clay Harmon, a Member of Subway’s Board of Directors, emphasized Walsh’s qualifications, stating, “Carrie is uniquely qualified to lead Subway through this transition, bringing a blend of expertise in global operations, brand innovation, and digital transformation, which will bring continuity and support Subway’s next chapter.”
About Subway® Restaurants
Subway is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant brands, serving freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls to millions of guests daily. Operating in nearly 37,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries and territories, Subway’s network of franchisees is committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences and fostering community connections.
Click Here to Join HR TODAY WhatsApp Channel
Read Also : People Analytics Teams Still Struggle to Deliver Business Impact, Warns The Josh Bersin Company
