AFC Enterprises, the franchisor and operator of Popeyes announced today that Lynne Zappone has been named Chief Talent Officer of its Popeyes brand. Ms. Zappone, will be responsible for sourcing, integrating and retaining high quality talent to deliver Popeyes’ business plan.
“With her 20 years of global human resources experience, Lynne is ideally suited to lead the talent initiatives for Popeyes as we continue our growth around the globe,” said Cheryl Bachelder, AFC Enterprises Chief Executive Officer. “She is a highly regarded leader with a wealth of strategic experience, and an impressive record of accomplishment. Lynne is a valuable addition to our Leadership team and we welcome her to Popeyes.”
Ms. Zappone joins Popeyes with extensive experience in talent development and learning, human resources, and business management. From 1998 to 2011, Ms. Zappone served in a number of senior human resources positions with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), most recently as Senior Vice President, Global Learning and Americas Human Resources. Prior to joining IHG, Ms. Zappone enjoyed 10 years of strategy and leadership experience including consulting with Phillips Associates and organizational development and training roles with Fidelity Federal Bank and Sheraton Universal Hotel.
In her new role, Ms. Zappone will be responsible for performance optimization, organizational development, as well as the company’s diversity and cultural change initiatives. Ms. Zappone will also ensure the development and implementation of all human resource policies and programs, including compensation, benefits, and risk management.
Ms. Zappone holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education from Flagler College and Master’s of Arts in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
AFC Enterprises, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of Popeyes restaurants, the world’s second-largest quick-service chicken concept based on number of units. As of December 26, 2010, Popeyes had 1,977 operating restaurants in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands and 26 foreign countries. AFC’s primary objective is to deliver sales and profits by offering excellent investment opportunities in its Popeyes brand and providing exceptional franchisee support systems and services to its owners.