CEO
HABIT BURGER & GRILL
WHY: Left KFC to become president of Habit in 2022 and succeeded the burger chain’s longtime CEO Russ Bendel in 2023. Oversees more than 385 restaurants with total system sales of $706M.
IN THE NEWS: Renamed chain to “Habit Burger & Grill” in 2024. Irvine-based chain’s Double Char burger has taken the No. 1 spot in USA Today’s 10Best Fast Food Burgers rankings for both 2024 and 2025. Six new restaurants opened in Q1 of this year, where system sales grew 7%. Owned by Yum Brands, was the company’s second best performer in Q1 2026 with a 5% increase in same-store sales. Only its Irvine sister brand, Taco Bell, did better. Expanding digital access to brand by installing kiosks in every store.
NOTABLE: Never been to Habit restaurant until tapped as president. Describes Habit as “slightly more premium” than its sister fast-food brands, which include Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut.
IN HER WORDS: “I swear by my oura ring, daily workouts and non-negotiable family time to stay balanced.” —Business Insider FUN FACT: Wakes up around 5:30 a.m.
