Staffing

California Pizza Kitchen board member takes over as CEO

Provided

December 6, 2022

California Pizza Kitchen has announced that board member Jeff Warne will assume the role of CEO effective immediately. Warne joined CPK's board in November 2020 and brings 23 years of c-suite experience to the restaurant industry to his new role as CEO. He replaces Jim Hyatt, CPK's former CEO and president since 2018, according to a press release.

Warne previously served as president and CEO of Perkins, Marie Callender's LLC and O'Charley's Inc., in addition to holding positions as president of Pick Up Stix, COO of TGI Friday's International, and CFO of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide. Warne also sits on the board of directors of The Nashville Food Project and formerly served on the board of the Second Harvest Food Bank in Tennessee.

"We are thrilled to have Jeff in the CEO role at this incredible brand," Michael O'Donnell, California Pizza Kitchen Board of Directors chairman, said in the press release. "He is a proven leader with deep restaurant experience who understands the CPK business and its innovation DNA. He is uniquely positioned to take CPK to its next phase of growth and has already had a huge impact on the organization. We look forward to supporting him as he continues to bring to life his vision."

California Pizza Kitchen operates more than 180 restaurants across 10 countries and U.S. territories.