According to a Wednesday report in the Wall Street Journal citing internal documents, Paul Brown, the CEO of Arby’s owner Inspire Brands, is reportedly taking a medical leave while he recovers from a recent injury. Scott Murphy, the brand president of Inspire-owned Dunkin’, will take over as interim CEO. Requests for comment have gone unanswered from representatives of Inspire Brands.
The sudden leadership transition comes at a sensitive time for the Atlanta-based company, which falls under the ownership of the private-equity firm Roark Capital. Inspire has been working toward an initial public offering this year, with the Journal indicating that the IPO could happen early next year. The company has already submitted its confidential filing for the offering earlier this year.
Brown’s Turnaround at Arby’s
Brown, a former hotel company executive, was hired as CEO of Arby’s in 2013. He turned that chain around, generating multiple years of strong sales. That success paved the way for the creation of Inspire, which followed Arby’s acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings.
The Brands Under Inspire
Inspire, which Brown co-founded, operates a broad portfolio of restaurant chains. Beyond Arby’s and Dunkin’, the company owns Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, Jimmy John’s, and Baskin-Robbins. The company has made several major acquisitions since its founding, including the 2020 purchase of Dunkin’ for $11.3 billion, one of the biggest deals in restaurant industry history.
Murphy’s Long Run at Dunkin’
Dunkin’ veteran Murphy joined Inspire through the 2020 acquisition and was named brand president of the coffee and doughnut chain after the deal closed. He later took on the additional role of chief brand officer for Inspire.
| Leader | Company | Role | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Brown | Inspire Brands | CEO | Co-founder, led since company’s creation |
| Scott Murphy | Dunkin’ | Brand President | More than two decades at Dunkin’ |
What Happens Next
Brown’s departure comes at a time when the company’s plans for an initial public offering are still underway, and the coincidence is striking. The duration of his absence remains unconfirmed, and no statement from Inspire has addressed the report.
Murphy steps in as interim CEO. Roark Capital remains the owner.
Key Facts
- Brown is taking medical leave after a recent injury
- Scott Murphy named interim CEO
- Inspire confidentially filed for IPO earlier this year
- Dunkin’ acquired in 2020 for $11.3 billion
- Inspire operates Arby’s, Dunkin’, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, Jimmy John’s, and Baskin-Robbins
- Company owned by Roark Capital
While Brown recovers, the company continues to move ahead under Murphy’s direction. Since its founding, Inspire has completed several additional acquisitions, and the leadership now sits with a two-decade Dunkin’ veteran.
Source: nrn.com
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.