Dive Brief:
- IHOP President Jay Johns will retire on Jan. 6, the company said in a press release Wednesday. He will continue to work with the company as an advisor until March 2025.
- Johns has been with Dine Brands for 16 years, including roughly six years as IHOP’s president.
- Lawrence Kim, previously the chief innovation officer at Yum Brands, has been appointed president designee as of Oct. 21 and will become IHOP president on Jan. 6.
Dive Insight:
Under Johns’ leadership, IHOP undertook several digital initiatives, including launching its loyalty program in 2022, which has grown to nearly 10 million members as of Q2 2024. Johns also helped the company adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic with increased off-premise dining, curbside pickup and delivery. Off-premise has continued as an important channel, comprising 19.8% of IHOP’s sales during Q2 2024, according to an earnings release.
The chain underwent several menu updates and expansions, as well, introducing all-day breakfast and a menu overhaul that included dishes like Eggs Benedict and Gourmet Burgers. In mid-September, the chain added tacos and bulked up its burger and breakfast menu. New products have helped IHOP drive same-store sales, which outpaced sister brand Applebee’s performance in the past few quarters. The success of IHOP’s menu innovation has led Dine to create new products for its Applebee’s and Fuzzy Tacos brands.
“His leadership also drove operational improvements to enhance guest experience and adapt to changing consumer habits,” the company said in the press release. “His strategic vision has been essential in maintaining the brand’s relevance in the competitive family dining sector, driving sustained growth, and guest loyalty.”
Kim will bring over 20 years of leadership experience to his new role at IHOP. He has been chief innovation officer at Yum Brands since 2021 after spending seven years at Taco Bell in various roles, according to his LinkedIn profile. In his most recent Yum role, he oversaw testing and refinement of drive-thru voice AI technology, which is being deployed across hundreds of Taco Bell locations this year.
Kim also worked at Samsung Electronics for two years and Procter & Gamble for five years. He has experience in global brand strategy, marketing and digital innovation, according to the press release. In his new role at IHOP, he will oversee ongoing expansion of the brand, focusing on innovation and guest experience as well as restaurant development growth
