In an announcement made earlier today, Nick Shepherd was named president and chief executive officer of global casual dining leader Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, parent of T.G.I. Friday's® and Pick Up Stix® restaurants. Shepherd will replace Richard Snead who recently announced his retirement as president and CEO from Carlson Restaurants Worldwide.

A seasoned international executive, Shepherd brings more than twenty-five years of global operations, development, franchise, marketing and brand management experience across multiple industries to his new role. Most recently, Shepherd served as chairman and CEO for Sagittarius Brands, Inc., a private equity-owned restaurant holding company that owns and operates the Del Taco and Captain D's restaurant brands.

"Nick is a proven leader and I am delighted he will be leading our restaurant business," commented Hubert Joly, president and CEO for Carlson, Carlson Restaurant's parent company. "Nick's track record combines solid operating experience across franchise and company systems, a proven ability to create brand value, a passion for developing robust management teams and an ability to lead businesses through adverse market conditions."

"I have admired the Friday's brand since my earliest days in the industry," said Shepherd. "I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead Friday's and Pick Up Stix and to steer them to great success."

After graduating from Sheffield City Polytechnic with a Bachelors degree in Catering Systems, Shepherd entered the restaurant business with Whitbread PLC. He went on to spend time with both Allied Lyons Plc and Grand Metropolitan Plc before establishing his own successful service management consulting business, The Service Practice. Shepherd joined Blockbuster Inc. in 1995 serving in various executive leadership roles across the international and domestic businesses, including vice president and managing director ~ UK, senior vice president ~ International, EVP and chief marketing and merchandising officer, president of North America, president of worldwide stores and latterly chief operating officer.

Shepherd will officially join the organization on February 16, 2009.