Franchising veteran Darin Harris was appointed CEO for quick-service restaurant chain Jack in the Box. Harris will leave his current position as CEO of North America, IWG PLC to join Jack in the Box by June 15, 2020.

Harris takes over from Lenny Comma, who announced his intent to retire in December 2019. Comma’s last day with Jack in the Box will be effective upon Harris’ start date, at which time Comma will also leave the board of directors. Jack in the Box Promoted Comma to CEO in 2012. Comma added chairman to his role upon the January 2014 retirement of Linda Lang.

David Goebel will become non-executive chairman of the board for Jack in the Box once Harris begins employment with the company.

Harris is no stranger to the restaurant industry, having served as CEO of CiCi’s Enterprises from August 2013 to February 2018. He previously held franchise leadership roles as senior vice president at Arby’s Restaurant Group and vice president, franchise and corporate development Captain D’s Seafood. He was also a prior franchise operator of Papa John’s Pizza and Qdoba Mexican Grill.

IWG, Harris’ current employer, is a holding group for several providers of flexible workspaces. Brands in the IWG portfolio include Regus, Spaces, HQ, No18 and Signature by Regus. He joined the firm in 2018.