AFC Enterprises, Inc., the franchisor and operator of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, announced the resignation of Kenneth L. Keymer, AFC, CEO and President effective March 30, 2007. Since joining Popeyes, Keymer has re-energized the brand.
Frederick B. Beilstein, former CFO of AFC Enterprises from 2004-2005, has been appointed the interim CEO. Beilstein has been a Managing Partner of Equicorp Partners, LLC, an Atlanta-based investment and advisory services firm since 2005. He remained an active consultant to AFC and the Popeyes brand since his departure.
James W. Lyons, the company’s Chief Development Officer, has been appointed to the newly created position of COO. Lyons joined the Popeyes management team in July 2004 and has played a key role in improving the company’s development pipeline and accelerating new restaurant openings.
