Leadership

Dairy Queen to get a new chief

After nearly 10 years at the helm of International Dairy Queen, John Gainor is surrendering his posts as CEO and president to current COO Troy Bader.

The quick-service franchsior said the transition will come Jan. 1, with Gainor entering retirement. Bader’s replacement as COO was not announced.

Gainor is one of the few CEOs in the restaurant business who rose to that level through supply-chain management. He joined International Dairy Queen in 2003 as chief supply chain officer after working in distribution logistics, and moved up to CEO and president in 2008, succeeding Charles Mooty. Information from Dairy Queen’s website indicates that Gainor is 60 years old.

Bader joined International Dairy Queen in 2001, serving in various executive positions until being named COO in 2011.

In addition to its 6,700-unit namesake brand, International Dairy Queen operates the Orange Julius and Karmelkorn treat chains.

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