Canadian restaurant group Restaurant Brands International Inc. says Kobza’s appointment is part of a leadership succession plan as it pursues its next phase of growth
Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has promoted Chief Operating Officer Joshua Kobza as its new CEO, effective 1 March 2023.
Kobza will report to and work alongside RBI Executive Chairman Patrick Doyle, with outgoing CEO José Cil remaining at RBI in an advisory role until early 2024.
Having joined RBI in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer, Kobza was appointed Chief Technology Officer and Development Officer in 2018 before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2019.
RBI said Kobza was ‘integral’ to the acquisitions of Tim Hortons in 2014, Popeyes in 2017 and Firehouse Subs in 2021.
“Over the past several years, the Board of Directors has worked with management to build a thoughtful succession plan for key positions, so this is a natural transition for Josh to lead our next phase of growth. Personally, I'm motivated to work with and help such a talented person like Josh as he steps into this new leadership position,” said Patrick Doyle.
“I am excited to lead the company and work closely with our business Presidents to put our franchisees at the centre of our success and accelerate the growth we know our brands are capable of,” Kobza added.
RBI operates the Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs brands. The company achieved revenues of $6.5bn in 2022.
