Subway appoints Jonathan Fitzpatrick as its new chief executive officer
New Subway CEO Brings Decades of Experience to Turnaround Challenge
Jonathan Fitzpatrick, a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in franchising and quick-service restaurants (QSR), has been appointed as the new CEO of Subway, effective from July 28, 2025. This appointment comes amidst a challenging period for the fast-food giant, marked by strong competition and operational difficulties.
Fitzpatrick's career trajectory includes a stint as the president and CEO of Driven Brands, an automotive services company, where he led the company through 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. His tenure at Driven Brands spanned 13 years before his recent departure.
Prior to Driven Brands, Fitzpatrick held several senior leadership roles at Burger King, including the position of executive vice president and chief brand and operations officer. During his tenure, he oversaw Burger King's largest menu overhaul in its history, simplified restaurant operations, modernized the brand's global image, and reimagined the guest experience, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency and customer engagement.
The new CEO's expertise in franchising, QSR operations, sales growth, operational performance, and brand revitalization is expected to be crucial in addressing Subway's current challenges. These include declining average-unit volumes, unit closures, and the need to revitalize the brand in a competitive market.
Fitzpatrick's appointment follows Subway's acquisition by Roark Capital in 2024 and the interim tenure of Carrie Walsh. He aims to build on Subway’s “solid foundation” of freshly made, better-for-you options with value and convenience, focusing on increasing sales and franchisee profitability while growing the brand globally.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | CEO of Subway (from 2025) | Leading a challenging turnaround amid competition and operational decline | | Former CEO of Driven Brands | Led 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth; 13 years tenure | | Previous roles at Burger King | Executive VP, Chief Brand and Operations Officer; led largest menu overhaul; simplified operations; brand modernization | | Expertise | Franchising, QSR operations, sales growth, operational performance, brand revitalization |
Subway's U.S. system sales declined 3.8% last year, reaching $9.5 billion, and store closures have returned this year amid a difficult operating environment for much of the fast-food space. However, the chain operates another 16,000 locations outside the U.S., which have returned to growth due to a series of deals with global restaurant operators.
Subway's international growth and the company's sales improvement coming out of the pandemic were due to upgraded menu, improved marketing, and reorganized corporate structure under former CEO Chidsey. With Fitzpatrick at the helm, Subway fans and investors alike will be eager to see how the new CEO navigates the company through its current challenges and steers it towards growth and success.
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