California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPKI) today announced that Sue Collyns has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. Ms. Collyns will maintain her position as the Company's Chief Financial Officer.
Ms. Collyns' 23-year record of success includes seven years in the restaurant industry with California Pizza Kitchen. Her broad experience across several industries has included roles with such leading brands as Sony, Pepsi, GlaxoSmithKline and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Her previous positions have included Vice President of Finance and Operations, Controller and head of Strategic Planning.
Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, co-CEOs of California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., stated, "Sue possesses strong leadership abilities and her insights and direction have been integral to CPK's success. Her appointment to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer reflects her ability to assume increasing levels of responsibility and complements her role as Chief Financial Officer. Sue is an extremely talented and focused executive who has developed expertise in all facets of our business. We are confident that she is well suited to lead our organization in this capacity.'
In addition, Todd Slayton, who serves as Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance and Controller, has assumed the additional title of Chief Accounting Officer from Ms. Collyns.