Dan Cathy passes Chick-fil-A baton to Andrew Cathy
At a historic occasion on the morning of Sept. 16, Dan Cathy holds the baton that his father handed to him 20 years ago so he can pass it on to his son, Andrew Cathy (Special: Chick-fil-A)
By Maria Saporta
Chick-fil-A, one of the largest privately-held companies in metro Atlanta, will soon have a new CEO.
Dan Cathy, 68, is turning over the CEO title to his son, Andrew Cathy, on Nov. 1. Andrew Cathy has been serving as executive vice president of operations since 2019.
Andrew Cathy
The announcement was made on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. during a COVID-safe ceremony on the campus of the company’s headquarters. About 300 associates, who had to register ahead, were present. The event was livestreamed for people to watch, and operators were invited to tune in.
“It was very moving,” said Carrie Kurlander, vice president of external communications for Chick-fil-A. “It’s the same spot where the transition to Dan as president and COO happened 20 years ago.”
During Dan Cathy’s tenure, the annual revenue at Chick-fil-A has grown from about $1.2 billion in 2001 to $16 billion today.
Andrew Cathy, 43, is the third CEO of the 54-year-old family-owned business. It was founded by his grandfather, S. Truett Cathy, who passed away in 2013. That’s when Dan Cathy became the company’s second CEO. He will remain as Chick-fil-A’s board chairman.
The company also announced that Tim Tassopoulos will continue in his role as president and chief operating officer.
Three generations of Chick-fil-A leadership – Andrew Cathy, Dan Cathy and S. Truett Cathy in 2005 (Special: Chick-fil-A)
Andrew Cathy began his Chick-fil-A career in 2005, serving two years as operator of the Tyrone Boulevard Chick-fil-A in St. Petersburg, Fla. In 2007, he joined the Support Center Staff as a franchisee selection consultant. He then led Franchisee Selection, and Andrew became a member of the executive committee in 2015 and was named Chief People Officer in 2016 and executive vice president in 2019.
“With extensive experience in our restaurants and multiple Support Center functions, Andrew is a proven Chick-fil-A leader who understands our culture and knows our business,” said Dan. “He is committed to ensuring the future of Chick-fil-A as a healthy, multi-generational family business, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead under his leadership and vision.”
Click here for a copy of the company’s press release.
At a historic occasion on the morning of Sept. 16, Dan Cathy holds the baton that his father handed to him 20 years ago so he can pass it on to his son, Andrew Cathy (Special: Chick-fil-A)
I was in New York City this past weekend, December 10-12. We stopped at the Chick Fil-a in Times Square. We were shocked and appalled at the condition of the restaurant and how we were treated. There was no bathroom facility available. No one treated us in a friendly manner. I was waiting on my daughters and granddaughters to get their food. I took my sandwich out to put some mayonnaise on it. I was called out by my name right there in the restaurant. That was not only rude but very disrespectful to the customers.Report
There are dangerous unsafe issues created at the chick Fil a created in flagstaff Az since Milton st and riordan both streets block due to traffic jams created with over 49 cars lined up on these streets . The snotty Mgr I called 2 days ago maz was rude sarcastic . I involved the police idot and other organizations . Traffics can’t get into the others business here and there are arguments in the parking lot . Contact me kckhrd@gmail.com I plan on making legal issue unless this is resolved asapReport