Blaze Pizza adds 4 executives, shares expansion goals

Los Angeles, CA – Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza recently added four key members to its leadership team and announced its goal of exceeding $1B in systemwide international sales by its 10th birthday, in 2022.

International finance executive Mandy Shaw has joined the company as its chief financial officer. Shaw previously served as chief financial officer for the international division of Bloomin’ Brands (the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Fleming’s, Carrabba’s Italian Grill), Blaze Pizza said in a news release.

To assist with Blaze’s overseas expansion, the company has promoted Carolyne Canady to the role of president of international operations. In her previous role as the company’s chief development officer, Canady played a significant role in its expansion.

Julie Price has been hired as vice-president of franchise sales. Price previously worked with Dunkin’ Brands, including Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, and led business development at Pinkberry.

Vafa Mansouri has joined the culinary team as director of food safety and quality assurance. Mansouri has more than 20 years of technical expertise in food safety with brands such as Shake Shack and Yum! Brands international division.

Blaze Pizza currently operates 233 restaurants in 35 states and seven restaurants in Canada. The chain plans to open new units in Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia over the next 90 days in a development deal with M.H. Alshaya Co.