Restaurants: Culver’s names new CEO.
Koss moving up from CFO role
Joseph Koss, who has been chief financial officer for Culver’s Franchising System Inc. since 2000, will become president and chief executive officer of the Prairie du Sac restaurant chain effective Jan. 1, the company announced Tuesday.
The announcement follows the fourth quarter meeting of the board of directors.
Koss will assume the position formerly held by Phil Keiser, who died Oct. 15.
“Joe has been an outstanding leader in his nearly 20 years here at Culver’s,” said Craig Culver, company co-founder, board chair and interim CEO. “In addition to his role as CFO and as a member of our senior leadership team, he commands a broad breadth of experience and knowledge in all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, operations, training, marketing, supply chain, human resources, development/design and menu management.”
Koss joined Culver’s in 1997 as controller.
“As CFO he has overseen the overall financial planning, accounting and control functions including budgeting, tax, treasury and audit activities,” according to the statement.
“I’m honored to be given this opportunity,” Koss said in the statement. “We’ve all felt a tremendous loss with the passing of Phil Keiser. But I know Culver’s will continue to stay strong with the road map Phil left us that contains our core values and guiding principles.”
During Koss’ tenure, the Culver’s system has grown from 53 restaurants to its current nearly 600 in 24 states. Total systemwide sales during that period have increased to more than $1.2 billion from $58 million, according to the company statement.
Also effective Jan. 1, Jeff Bonner, a senior vice president, will become chief operating officer.
Bonner joined Culver’s in 1999 as a franchise business consultant.