As of Feb. 5, the burger company has appointed PepsiCo veteran Kirk Tanner as its new CEO to increase its share price and reduce pressure from activist investors.
Tanner leads Pepsi's North American beverage operations. He led Pepsi's worldwide food service segment for three years before joining the drink unit. Pepsi has employed him for over 30 years.
Since 2016, Wendy's CEO Todd Penegor has led the company. Wendy's launched its morning menu worldwide during his leadership, surpassing Burger King.
However, the chain has suffered several difficulties under him. Low-income Wendy's customers have reduced back, and a significant franchisee declared bankruptcy in November.
Reuters reported in December that activist investor Blackwells Capital will challenge Wendy's board. The CEO move may sway the company. If Blackwells nominates its own board nominees.
A year ago, Peltz's business Trian Fund Management gave up on acquiring the company, indicating confidence in its performance while pursuing a proxy dispute with Disney. Trian has invested in Wendy's since 2005.
It will clash with Wendy's board chair Nelson Peltz, another activist investor. Wendy's fourth-quarter earnings are expected Feb. 15.
Pepsi also announced Thursday that Ram Krishnan, its chief commercial officer and worldwide beverage division head, will succeed Tanner as North American beverage unit CEO.