Appointment Positions Company for Continued International Expansion
Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ:WING) today announced that it has named Larry D. Kruguer as its new President of International. Kruguer will have responsibility for growing and developing key international markets for Wingstop and will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Charlie Morrison.
As of the end of the first quarter 2015, Wingstop operated 45 franchised restaurants in six countries outside of its core U.S. market with franchisees in Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The company has commitments for an additional 310 international locations.
“As a seasoned executive with over 25 years of global experience across consumer companies including major restaurant corporations, Larry’s extensive background in international markets and franchise leadership will be instrumental in helping Wingstop grow its global presence,” commented Charlie Morrison, Wingstop President and CEO. “His broad skill set, acute international knowledge and proven track record makes him a strong addition to the Wingstop team. We look forward to his meaningful contributions that will continue to foster the growth of our great brand.”
Prior to joining Wingstop, Kruguer served as Vice President, International Joint Ventures and Key Markets at Wendy’s International, leading the development and key market expansion process for over 400 international units in nearly 30 countries. In that role he managed franchise acquisition, business development, and new restaurant openings. Prior to that, Kruguer spent seven years with Wendy’s International in several different leadership positions, including Vice President of International Business Development and Finance, and Vice President of International Marketing.
Earlier in his career, Kruguer served as President of Prontowash USA, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Alliances of SportsLine.com, Vice President of Marketing and International Sales at Alamo Rent-A-Car and Vice President of Stored Value Products at American Express Company. He is a graduate of the University of Miami where he received his Executive MBA and BA in International Finance and Marketing.
Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Wingstop Inc. (Nasdaq:WING) operates and franchises more than 745 restaurants across the United States, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates as of the end of the first quarter 2015. The Wing Experts menu features classic and boneless wings with 11 bold, distinctive flavors including Original Hot, Cajun, Atomic, Mild, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Hawaiian, Garlic Parmesan, Hickory Smoked BBQ, Louisiana Rub and Mango Habanero. Wingstop’s wings are always cooked to order, sauced and tossed and served with a variety of house-made sides including Wingstop’s world famous hand-cut seasoned fries. Wingstop has experienced 11 consecutive years of positive sales increases, was named a 2014 Best Franchise Deal by QSR magazine, was ranked the 2015 #5 Top Growth Chain by Nation’s Restaurant News and has been voted “Best Wings” in markets across the country. Wingstop is owned by affiliates of Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm focused on consumer, business and environmental service companies, with a specialization in franchised and multi-unit business models in the retail, restaurant and consumer services sectors. For more information visit www.wingstop.com or www.wingstopfranchise.com. Become a fan of Wingstop by visiting facebook.com/Wingstop or twitter.com/wingstop.
