Wendy's taps interim chief for president, CEO

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 10 (Reuters) Restaurant operator Wendy's International Inc. named Kerrii Anderson to be president and chief executive officer yesterday, posts she had held on an interim basis since April.

As interim CEO, Anderson, who also was chief financial officer, ''improved Wendy's performance, developed a new strategic plan and executed several transactions that will continue to create value for shareholders,'' Chairman Jim Pickett said in a statement.

Anderson, 49, was tapped for the interim assignments when former CEO Jack Schuessler stepped down in April.

Last month, Wendy's laid out plans to revive profits at its hamburger restaurants by pouring more resources into existing outlets, adding a breakfast menu and limiting new store development in the next two years.

Sales at Wendy's, the No. 3 hamburger chain with 6,300 restaurants in North America, have been hard hit over the last two years by stiff competition from a revitalized McDonald's Corp.

In the last few months, however, sales at restaurants open at least 15 months, a key retail measure known as same-store sales, have rebounded due to marketing campaign aimed at younger consumers and new, more profitable menu choices.

The chain also launched efforts to boost efficiency at the restaurants and strengthen ties with franchisees.

''I am pleased with the progress we are making on the initiatives we announced in October to revitalize the Wendy's brand,'' Anderson said in a statement.

Anderson joined Wendy's in September 2000 as executive vice president and CFO and was named a director in November 2000.

The company said it will begin a search for a new CFO and will consider both internal and external candidates.

REUTERS PDM BD0900