Subway appoints Jonathan Fitzpatrick as CEO to lead brand transformation

GLOBAL – Subway has named Jonathan Fitzpatrick as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 28, 2025, aiming to steer the global sandwich giant through a critical phase of growth and innovation.

Fitzpatrick brings over 20 years of franchising and quick service restaurant (QSR) leadership experience, positioning him to revitalize Subway’s operations and competitive edge in an evolving market.

Jonathan Fitzpatrick’s impressive career includes key roles at major QSR and franchise brands. Most notably, as executive vice president and chief brand and operations officer at Burger King, he led the company’s largest menu overhaul in recent history.

His efforts simplified restaurant operations, modernized menus, and enhanced guest experiences worldwide, delivering stronger unit economics and improved brand relevance amid fierce competition.

Following Burger King, Fitzpatrick served as president and CEO of Driven Brands, a leading automotive services franchisor.

During his tenure, the company achieved 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth.

He successfully managed expansive franchise operations, driving both organic growth and operational efficiencies in a highly competitive industry.

His strategic vision and operational discipline enabled Driven Brands to scale sustainably while enhancing franchisee support and profitability.

Subway’s appointment of Fitzpatrick reflects its ambition to accelerate brand innovation, improve customer engagement, and strengthen franchisee partnerships.

Owned by Roark Capital Group since 2020, Subway continues to be the world’s largest sandwich chain by unit count but faces increasing pressure from shifting consumer preferences and intensifying competition.

Fitzpatrick’s proven track record of driving transformation and franchise growth makes him an ideal leader for this critical stage.

The company announced that Fitzpatrick will work closely with interim CEO Carrie Walsh during the transition period.

This collaboration is intended to ensure operational stability while executing a forward-looking strategy that prioritizes menu innovation, technology integration, and enhanced marketing to reinvigorate the brand globally.

In accepting the role, Fitzpatrick expressed enthusiasm for leading a brand known for fresh, customizable products and strong community roots.

He emphasized his commitment to working alongside franchisees, suppliers, and employees to adapt Subway’s offerings and service model to meet evolving consumer demands.

Subway’s move to appoint Fitzpatrick signals confidence in his ability to deliver sustainable growth and dynamically position the brand in a rapidly changing quick service landscape.

His leadership is expected to guide Subway into the next era of global expansion and customer-centric innovation.

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