Wendy's: OldFashioned Case Study

The Presidents' Forum of Columbus
February 25, 2009

David Karam
President
Wendy's International, Inc.

Speaker Biography:
David Karam, president of Wendy’s International, is responsible for all operations and business activities for Wendy’s company- and franchise-owned restaurants worldwide.

Prior to joining Wendy’s in 2008, Karam was president of Cedar Enterprises, a Wendy’s franchisee, operating 135 Wendy’s restaurants in Indianapolis, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Hartford and Seattle. Cedar is also the parent company for Syrus, Ltd., a provider of information processing services designed to increase operating productivity and financial performance for quick service restaurants. Karam joined Cedar Enterprises in 1986 as vice president of finance before being promoted to president in 1989. He served as senior auditor for Touche & Ross from 1982 – 1986.

While a franchise owner, Karam was recognized with the R. David Thomas Founders Award in 1990, and the Diamond Award National Marketer of the Year in 1998. He served as a member of Wendy’s Franchise Advisory Council from 1990 – 1995, and has served as a trustee of the Wendy’s National Advertising Program for many years.

Karam is a second generation restaurateur. His father Joe joined the Wendy’s family as a franchise in 1975. Their first restaurant opened in Las Vegas, and the franchise expanded to the multiple markets over the years.

A graduate of The Ohio State University, Karam holds a Bachelors degree in accounting. He is also a graduate of Owner President Management program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, Karam was a member of Miami University Business Advisory Council, and he served as a director of Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital from 1998 – 2001, he remains active in the organization’s events and programs.

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