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Blaze makes it official with Mandy Shaw

Blaze CEO Mandy Shaw (photo provided).

November 11, 2019

Blaze Pizza CFO Mandy Shaw, who has been serving as the brand's interim CEO since Jim Mizes left the role four months ago, is now the chain's permanent leader. The brand said Shaw would not continue as CFO, though no information has been released on further developments related to that position.

"Mandy is stepping into the CEO role with a unique understanding of the brand," Blaze Pizza co-founder Rick Wetzel said in a statement. "Since joining just under two years ago, she has demonstrated a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, brand vision and operational expertise that make her the perfect fit to lead this company."
 
Shaw, who is credited with playing a key role in the brand's growth over the last two years, is taking over as the recent launch of new crusts and a 14-inch large pizza begin to get marketplace traction, according to the brand, which has 340 restaurants across 41 states and six countries.
 
"I am thrilled to be stepping into this new role with Blaze and I am excited to hit the ground running," Shaw said. "This company was built on partnering with exceptional franchisees to provide world-class guest experiences, and I look forward to helping Blaze continue to deliver on that promise."
 
Shaw previously held a number of leadership roles at Bloomin' Brands for more than a dozen years, including CIO and CAO, before joining Blaze last year.