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Subway Names New CEO

Jonathan Fitzpatrick was longtime Burger King exec

Published

7 months ago

July 22, 2025

VMSD Staff

Subway Names New CEO — Though Subway has 37,000 restaurants in 100-plus countries, the U.S. is its largest market by far, with just under 20,500 units. Photo: Courtesy of Subway

Though Subway has 37,000 restaurants in 100-plus countries, the U.S. is its largest market by far, with just under 20,500 units. Photo: Courtesy of Subway

Subway (Miami) has hired Jonathan Fitzpatrick at its next CEO, effective July 28. With more than two decades of franchising and quick-service restaurant experience, Fitzpatrick “has a proven track record of elevating sales and operational performance across global networks,” the sandwich giant said in a new release.

Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Driven Brands, an automotive services company where he led a team to 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. Prior to that, Fitzpatrick served in a range of senior leadership positions at Burger King, including EVP, Chief Brand and Operations Officer.

“I’m honored to lead this iconic brand that has been serving guests around the world for 60 years,” Fitzpatrick said. “Subway has a solid foundation built on decades of providing freshly made, better-for-you options with value and convenience. I’m excited by the opportunity to shape the future of the company, working alongside our valued franchisees and employees to help drive increased sales and franchisee profitability and grow our brand around the world.”

Fitzpatrick will succeed Carrie Walsh, who has served as interim CEO since John Chidsey retired at the end of last year.

Subway, which has about 37,000 franchised restaurants worldwide, was acquired last year by Roark Capital from the brand’s founding families.

VMSD Staff

Drawing on more than 125 years of history serving the retail design market, VMSD magazine provides retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news through its industry-leading magazine, website, social media channels and bulletins.

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