News

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group selects interim CEO

February 25, 2014

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., parent company of Einstein Bros. Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel brands, announced that Michael Arthur has been named as interim CEO and president, effective immediately. This announcement follows the resignation of Jeff O'Neill this week.

According to a news release, the company's board of directors has initiated a search for a permanent CEO and president.

Arthur has been a director of the company since October 2004 and served as chairman of the Audit Committee. Since 1990, Arthur has headed Michael Arthur and Associates, a consulting and interim management firm specializing in restructurings, business development, and strategic, financial, marketing and branding strategies. He served as CEO of California Federal Bank and financial advisor to Long John Silver's Restaurants.

"Michael possesses decades of restaurant and management expertise which is ideal for ensuring a smooth and orderly transition during this interim period. We would also like to thank Jeff for his dedicated service to Einstein Noah. Jeff built a strong team, developed a growing franchise and licensing business, and left the company in a better position than when he started. We wish him well as he explores other career opportunities," Nelson Heumann, chairman of the board, said in a company news release.

Arthur has served as EVP and CFO for Sizzler Restaurants and Pinkerton Security; VP of Marketing for Mattel Toys; and also served in management roles for D'Arcy, Masius, Benton & Bowles Advertising and Procter and Gamble. He has a B.A. degree from Johns Hopkins University and attended the Wharton Graduate School of Business. He has served on the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Association.