Subway is preparing for a leadership transition. John Chidsey, the fast-casual chain’s global chief executive officer, will retire from the company at the end of 2024.
Carrie Walsh, Subway's current president of Europe, Middle East and Africa and former global chief marketing Officer (CMO), will assume the role of interim CEO, while the chain conducts a search for a permanent successor to Chidsey.
Walsh joined Subway in 2019 and her background includes stints with such companies as YUM! Brands, Pizza Hut and PepsiCo.
Chidsey joined Subway in 2019 as the brand's first CEO outside of the founding family. Under Chidsey’s leadership, the sandwich chain refreshed its menu and accelerated its digital efforts, per a company release. Chidsey will transition to a consulting role to help with a transition to the new leadership, “with a particular focus on helping to guide the company's international growth strategy and master franchisee relationships.”
This development comes on the heels of news that Subway is preparing to update its global restaurant design in 2025. Known as Fresh Forward 2.0, the new design features an updated brand personality and will include the testing of self-serve ordering kiosks, as restaurant development + design reports.
