Decision Makers
| Name (plus bio) |
Position |
| Nelson J. Marchioli |
Chief Executive Officer |
| F. Mark Wolfinger |
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Administrative Officer |
| Janis S. Emplit |
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer |
| Jay C. Gilmore |
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller |
| Margaret L. Jenkins |
Chief Marketing Officer |
| Mark E. Chmiel |
Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer |
| Rachelle Hood |
Chief Diversity Officer |
| S. Alex Lewis |
Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer |
| Susan L. Mirdamadi |
Chief Information Officer |
| Timothy E. Flemming |
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer |
| Samuel M. Wilensky |
Senior Vice President, Franchise Operations |
| David J. Kahre |
Divisional Vice Presidentof Company Operations |
| Enrique Mayor-Mora |
Vice President, Planning and Analysis |
| Erick Martinez |
Divisional Vice President of Company Operations, Division 2 |
| Frederick J. Nielsen |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
| Gregory P. Powell |
Vice President, Concept Innovation |
| James M. Wainwright |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
| Jill Van Pelt |
Vice President, Total Rewards |
| John K. Sanfacon |
Vice President, Strategic Marketing |
| John W. Dillon |
Vice President, Marketing |
| Leo Thomas |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
| Louis M. Laguardia |
Vice President, Talent, Acq & Diversity |
| Mark C. Smith |
Vice President, Procurement and Distribution |
| Michael Jank |
Vice President, Risk Mgmt |
| R. Gregory Linford |
Vice President, Procurement and Distribution |
| Richard B. Koston |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
| Ross B. Nell |
Vice President, Tax |
| Steve Dunn |
Vice President, Franchise Development |
| Thomas M. Starnes |
Vice President, Safety |
| William H. Ruby |
Vice President, Sales |
| Yvonne Wolf |
Vice President, Hr |
| Doug Wong |
Director, Franchise Development |
| Jeffrey Russell |
Director, Franchise Real Estate |
| Michael Polydoroff |
Director, Sales Promos & Licensing |
| Derek Johnston |
Captain |
| J. Scott Melton |
Assistant Secretary & Assistant General Counsel |
| Ken Mann |
Business Consultant |
| Brenda J. Lauderback |
Director |
| Donald R. Shepherd |
Director |
| Rhonda J. Parish |
Secretary |
Board of Directors
Since February 2001, Marchioli has orchestrated a successful operational and financial turnaround that places Denny’s in its strongest financial position in more than 15 years. Marchioli has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including leadership positions at Brueggers’ Bagel Bakeries, Burger King, El Pollo Loco and Red Lobster. A native of Florida, Marchioli received a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Chief Executive Officer |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
President and Chief |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| El Pollo Loco |
President |
Former |
| University of Central Florida |
Bachelor's Degree In Communications |
Former |
Mark Wolfinger is responsible for the overall financial direction of the company, including planning and analysis, as well as development and strategic alternative delivery initiatives and Information Technology. Wolfinger joined Denny’s in September 2005, bringing a wealth of retail and restaurant experience as well as strategic and financial knowledge that help strengthen the brand and solidify the company’s capital structure. Wolfinger previously served as CFO for Danka Business Systems and has held senior financial positions with Hollywood Entertainment, Metromedia Restaurant Group, the Grand Metropolitan PLC, and operators of Bennigan’s, Ponderosa Steakhouse and Steak & Ale restaurants.
Janis S. Emplit oversees the more than 500 company-owned Denny's restaurants across the United States. Emplit joined Denny's predecessor company in 1997 as chief information officer for all six restaurant brands owned by the company at the time. Prior to joining Denny's, Emplit was senior director for Burger King Corporation for 10 years. Emplit has over 15 years of senior IT management experience, holding leadership positions with Bank of America, Florida Power & Light and First National Bank of Atlanta. A native of South Carolina, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina.
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Senior Vice President, Company Operations |
Former |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Chief Marketing Officer |
Current |
| Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation |
Senior Vice President |
Current |
| Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Senior Vice President, Marketing |
Former |
| El Pollo Loco |
Vice President of Marketing |
Former |
| University of Colorado |
Bachelor's Degree In Communications |
Former |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Senior Vice President, Concept Innovation |
Former |
Ray Hood orchestrated a major cultural and structural transformation at Denny's, resulting in Denny's Fortune magazine consistently ranking Denny's at the top of its list of "America's 50 Best Companies for Minorities" and Denny's receiving "best" rankings from Family Digest magazine, Essence magazine, Asian-Enterprise magazine, Latina Style magazine and Hispanic Business magazine. Prior to Denny's, Ray served for 20 years in a variety of leadership positions in private business, which include 10 years of comprehensive experience in diversity work for Burger King Corporation, where she held the position of vice president of human resources development, training and diversity affairs worldwide. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Ray graduated with high honors from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in Communications.
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Chief Diversity Officer |
Current |
| Michigan State University |
Bachelor of Arts Degree and A Master of Arts Degree In Communications. |
Former |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Treasurer |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Chief Information Officer |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Mis |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President |
Former |
| Denny's Corporation |
Assistant General Counsel |
Former |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Senior Vice President, Franchise Operations |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Acting Head of Operations |
Former |
| Washington University |
Bachelor's Degree In Anthropology |
Former |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Divisional Vice Presidentof Company Operations |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Planning and Analysis |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Divisional Vice President of Company Operations, Division 2 |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Concept Innovation |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Total Rewards |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Strategic Marketing |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Marketing |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Talent, Acq & Diversity |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Procurement and Distribution |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Risk Mgmt |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Procurement and Distribution |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Regional Vice President of Operations |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Tax |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Franchise Development |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Safety |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Sales |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Vice President, Hr |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Director, Franchise Development |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Director, Franchise Development |
Former |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Director, Franchise Real Estate |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Director, Franchise Real Estate |
Former |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Director, Sales Promos & Licensing |
Current |
Derek Johnston has been operating the Mille lacs Guide Service for over 16 years on famous Mille Lacs lake in central Minnesota. Derek started guiding at the age of 18 as a launch captain for Denny's resort on the westside of Mille lacs. Derek guides on Mille lacs both summer and winter. Derek has been fishing walleye tournaments for over 10 years which include the Wave Wacker Invitational, The Minnesota Tournament Trail, FLW Walleye League and the Ice Team Trap Attack Circuit. Derek also specializes in marine electronics and has written articles for Midwest Outdoors, Mille lacs Digest and Outdoors Weekly.
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Captain |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Assistant Secretary & Assistant General Counsel |
Current |
Mann was appointed to the Planning Commission in 1992, and served until 1996 when his 4-year term expired. He was re-appointed in 1997 and served five consecutive 2-year terms as the Mayor's appointment. He was re-appointed in April of 2006 to fill a 2-year vacancy on the commission. Mann and his wife own Camille's Sidewalk Cafe in Lancaster, and he is also employed as a restaurant business consultant for Denny's Corporation. Prior to his most recent employment, he directed the operations of eight McDonald's restaurants for 30 years in the Antelope Valley, retiring in December of 2000. His education includes attending three years at Antelope Valley College, majoring in Business and Accounting. Mann's record of community involvement has been a lengthy one that has paralleled his career here in the Valley. His commitment and interest has been in helping the people of the Antelope Valley, particularly Lancaster. Mann has been directly responsible for raising millions of dollars for charity. He served on the Board of Directors of the Antelope Valley United Way from 1988 until 1996. During that period, he served as the Campaign Chair in 1992 and the Board Chair in 1993. Also, during the same period, he was one of the original sitting Board Members on the Children's Center of Antelope Valley and Campaign Chair two years in a row for the Boy Scouts of America. In 1996, he went on the Board of Directors for Desert Haven and served as the Chair of the Desert Haven Auction for three years and Treasurer of the Board for two years. Mann has also been active with the Antelope Valley Chambers of Commerce as a Board Member for over eight years and is currently the Chairman. Born in 1952 in Hawthorne, California, Mann has been a resident of Lancaster since 1956. He met his wife here in Lancaster where they raised three children.
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Business Consultant |
Current |
| City of Lancaster, California |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Chairman |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
Brenda J. Lauderback was appointed to the Select Comfort Board of Directors in February 2004. Ms. Lauderback served as President of the Retail and Wholesale Group for the Nine West Group, Inc., a designer and marketer of women's footwear and accessories, from May 1995 until January 1998. Ms. Lauderback also serves as a director of Big Lots, Inc., Irwin Financial Corporation, Wolverine World Wide, Inc., and Denny’s Corporation.
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Select Comfort Corporation |
Chair |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Director |
Current |
| Irwin Financial Corp. |
Director |
Current |
| Wolverine World Wide, Inc. |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Louisiana-Pacific Corporation |
Director |
Current |
| Big Lots, Inc. |
Director |
Current |
| Big Lots, Inc. |
Member Compensation Committee Member |
Current |
| Nine West Group, Inc. |
Group President |
Former |
| Select Comfort Corporation |
Director |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation |
Partner and Co-Founder, Lnk Partners, A Private Equity Investment Firm |
Current |
| Lnk Partners |
Co-Founder |
Current |
| Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation |
Chairman |
Current |
| Ariat International, Inc. |
Board Member |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board Member |
Current |
| Meda, Inc. |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Blinds To Go Inc. |
Board Member |
Current |
| Star Markets Ltd. Inc. |
CEO |
Former |
| Lnk Partners |
Partner |
Former |
| Star Markets Ltd. Inc. |
Chairman |
Former |
| Zany Brainy |
Board of Directors |
Former |
| Cosmetics, Inc. |
Board of Directors |
Former |
| Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Former |
| Goody's Family Clothing, Inc. |
Board of Directors |
Former |
| Spyder Active Sports, Inc. |
Board of Directors |
Former |
| Northeastern University |
BS In Accounting |
Former |
Louis P. Neeb served as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company from December 15, 2006 to April 4, 2007. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company since
October 1995, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from April 1996 to May 2000, and as interim President from August 1997 to April 1998. Since 1982 Mr. Neeb has also served as President of Neeb Enterprises, Inc., a restaurant consulting company. From July 1991 to January 1994, Mr. Neeb served as President of Spaghetti Warehouse, Inc. From September 1989 to June 1991, Mr. Neeb served as President of Geest Foods USA. From 1982 to 1987, Mr. Neeb served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Taco Villa, Inc. and its predecessors, a publicly held corporation controlled by W.R. Grace & Co., where he oversaw the development of the Applebee's restaurant chain, and the operation of the Del Taco restaurant chain. From 1980 to 1982, Mr. Neeb served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Burger King Corporation. From 1973 to 1980, Mr. Neeb served in various positions, including President and Chief Operating Officer of Steak & Ale Restaurants. During that time, Mr. Neeb directed the development of the Bennigan's restaurant concept. Mr. Neeb serves as a director of CEC Entertainment, Inc. and Denny’s Corporation.
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Sodexho, Inc |
Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing |
Current |
| Sodexho, Inc |
Marketing Executive |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| DataPath, Inc. |
Board of Directors |
Current |
| Organization |
Position |
Status |
| Denny's Corporation |
Secretary |
Current |
| Denny's Corporation |
Chief Legal Officer |
Former |
| Denny's Corporation |
Executive Vice President |
Former |
| Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. |
Assistant General Counsel |
Former |
| Denny's Corporation |
General Counsel |
Former |
| University of Arkansas |
Law Degree |
Former |
| University of Central Arkansas |
Bachelor's Degree In Political Science |
Former |
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