Detroit-style pizza chain Via 313 Pizzeria promoted Kiplan Welsch to president. He previously served as the chain’s vice president of operations.

Kiplan WelschWelsch’s restaurant industry career dates back to 2002, when he joined Chili’s and oversaw new store openings, per a release. He then went to PF Chang’s as an operating partner. Welsch also worked with BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, where he rose in the ranks and ultimately served as an area vice president. Welsch then moved to Bluestone Hospitality as its vice president of operations, overseeing 34 restaurants and five area directors.

During the past year, Via Pizzeria entered its fifth metropolitan market and saw its unit count climb to 21.