Deborah Derby will become president and CEO of Carrols Restaurant Group, a large Burger King and Popeye’s franchisee, effective May 1. 2023. She replaces Paulo Pena, who passed away unexpectedly in December 2022.

Once Derby assumes her new position, Anthony Hull, who has served as interim president and CEO since Pena’s passing, will return to his role as vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer for Carrols.

Derby’s background includes senior leadership roles with Toys “R” Us, Horizon Group USA, Henry Schein and the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.

Carrols operates 1,019 Burger King restaurants in 23 states and 65 Popeyes restaurants in 7 states.