Wendy's Names Scott Toop SVP, General Counsel

The Wendy's Co. has appointed R. Scott Toop senior vice president and general counsel, the company said Tuesday.

Toop will also serve as secretary and a member of the Dublin, Ohio-based hamburger chain's executive leadership team.

He replaces Nils H. Okeson, who left the company earlier this month to return to Arby's Restaurant Group in Atlanta, which is now part of Roark Capital Group. Okeson had been general counsel for Wendy's/Arby's Group, which was formed by the September 2008 merger of the Wendy's and Arby's brands, and ended when Roark acquired Arby's in July 2011.

Most recently, Toop had been executive vice president and general counsel for Oakville, Ontario-based Tim Hortons Inc. Prior to that, he held similar positions with Yum! Brands Inc. in Louisville, Ky., and that company's predecessors, Tricon Global Restaurants Inc. and PepsiCo Inc.

In his new role, Toop will report to Wendy's president and chief executive Emil Brolick, who also recently came to the company from a high-level post with Yum.

"I have known Scott for many years, and I highly respect his legal expertise, business acumen and passion for excellence," Brolick said. "Scott's extensive global restaurant experience will be invaluable to our leadership team, board of directors and entire organization as we work to grow the Wendy's brand."

Wendy's operates or franchises more than 6,500 locations in the United States and 26 foreign markets.

Contact Mark Brandau at mark.brandau@penton.com.
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