Former Starbucks exec named Smashburger CEO

MANILA, Philippines —  The Jollibee Group has appointed a former Starbucks executive to lead its fast-casual better burger brands Smashburger.

Denise Nelsen has been named as the new chief executive officer of Smashburger, one of Jollibee Group’s four global brands in its portfolio.

As its new CEO, Nelsen is expected to drive innovation and growth for the brand, while also expanding its industry footprint.

“We are thrilled to welcome Denise Nelsen as Smashburger’s CEO. With her extensive experience and proven leadership in the food and beverage industry, she is set to propel the Smashburger brand into a new era of growth,” Jollibee Group president and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong said.

Prior to joining Smashburger, Nelsen served as the senior vice president of US operations at Starbucks, most recently leading the brand’s US business for nearly five years, and before that holding various operations and support roles within the company for over two decades.