John Chidsey ’83 Tapped for Top Leadership Post by Subway Restaurants
November 18, 2019
Today Davidson College Board of Trustees chair John W. Chidsey ’83 takes the helm of Subway Restaurants as chief executive officer.
Chidsey, previously chairman and CEO of Burger King Holdings, Inc., has served as a global franchise executive and senior leader for well-known corporations in and outside of the food and beverage industries.
In his new role, Chidsey is tasked with repositioning the struggling chain, once the second largest in the United States. The franchise has struggled with declining sales and location closure in recent years.
"I am honored to be joining such an iconic global brand and I am most excited about the future of Subway, Chidsey said in a press release announcing the appointment. “I look forward to learning from and working with the many constituents who have built this brand.”
Prior to Burger King, Chidsey served as chairman and CEO for two corporate divisions of Cendant Corporation. He led the vehicle services division, which included Avis Rent A Car, Budget Rent A Car Systems, PHH and Wright Express, and the financial services division that included Jackson Hewitt Tax Preparation Services and various membership and insurance companies. Chidsey also served in key international leadership roles with PepsiCo.
Chidsey earned a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College, as well as MBA and JD degrees from Emory University.
