McDermott + Bull Recruits CEO for Bonchon
September 11, 2019 – Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott + Bull has placed Flynn Dekker as the new CEO of Bonchon Franchise LLC, a holding company of VIG Partners, Korea’s leading buyout fund. He will take over day-to-day leadership of Bonchon from Jinduk Seo, who will continue to serve on the restaurant chain’s board. The assignment was led by managing partner Chris Bull, executive search partner Jeff Black, principal consultant Jason Levi Pinegar and recruiting associate Quyen Doan.
“Bonchon was in need of a CEO who would be able to expertly lead one of the fastest growing global restaurant brands specializing in Korean-style fried chicken and Asian fusion dishes,” the search firm said.
“It was our honor to serve VIG Partners out of Korea, and their portfolio company, Bonchon. Bonchon is an exciting Korean fried chicken brand that is rapidly expanding both globally and here in the U.S., and the addition of a global CEO is critical as they look to strategically grow,” said Mr. Bull.
“The board and I are confident that Flynn is the right person to build on the growth and momentum Bonchon has built in the United States and worldwide,” said BM Park, chairman of Bonchon’s board of directors. “He is a seasoned leader with significant experience working with multiunit restaurant concepts on operational efficiencies, revenue generation and delivering value to franchisees and equity holders.”
Mr. Dekker will guide the ambitious expansion of Bonchon’s U.S. franchise operations, while also providing influence and oversight of global franchising agreements, including transformational initiatives to drive a culture of performance and operational excellence throughout the organization.
Mr. Dekker’s extensive experience as a chief marketing officer for food service companies such as Wingstop, RAVE Restaurant Group, and Fogo de Chão made him the right choice for this role.
“Flynn brings a wealth of industry experience as well as a strong vision for growth,” said Mr. Black. He will be an ideal leader to help the Bonchon brand grow while also building a strong and healthy culture in the organization.”
Today, with more than 80 U.S. stores (20-plus in development) and over 300 stores internationally, Bonchon has traveled from Busan, South Korea to become the internationally loved brand it is today. After the success of Bonchon in the coastal city of Busan in 2002, the brand quickly expanded worldwide and word of mouth alone has helped them expand across 91 locations throughout America.
ClearPath Solutions Finds CEO for P. Terry’s Burger Stand
Irvine, CA-based ClearPath Solutions placed Todd Coerver as the new CEO of restaurant chain P. Terry’s Burger Stand in Austin, TX. Leading the assignment for the search firm were founder Helen Lao; Amy Wilson, partner, SVP of talent; Jessica Dyer, VP of talent; Jack Wilson, VP of talent; and Nancy Persinger, associate partner. Mr. Coerver, the former CEO of Denver-based Larkburger.
“There is a lot of white space for Bonchon to grow as we introduce our signature fried chicken to more franchisees and consumers in markets across the world,” said Mr. Dekker. “Our goal is to have one of the best investment ratios in the business, driven by our continued commitment to our passionate base of fans.”
Growing Search Firm
McDermott + Bull, founded in 2001, is now the 29th largest executive search firm in the Americas, where it serves clients in the technology, financial services, manufacturing, biotech and life sciences, retail and professional services sectors. Since the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott + Bull has served both the permanent and interim needs of its clients.
Mr. Bull is a co-founder of the firm. In addition to leading a team of executive search consultants, he has built his own executive search practice catering to a variety of clients, including Experian, First American Financial, Fluidmaster, Kelley Blue Book, SC Fuels, Thomas James Capital Homes, Trojan Battery, Union Bank and Vizio, among others.
Mr. Black leads the firm’s fit practice. He and his team seek to enrich organizations where they serve and focus on helping companies realize “an ideal fit between executive talent and the company’s culture and values.” His clients include: Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Panda Restaurant Group, Oakwood Worldwide, Decurion/ArcLight Cinemas, BJ’s Restaurants, Del Taco, LA BioMed, Niagara Bottling, Santa Monica Seafood, Orange County United Way, Rubio’s Restaurants, King’s Hawaiian and Golden State Foods.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
