MINNEAPOLIS — John Gainor, president and CEO of International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), announced his plans to retire at the end of the year. Troy Bader, current COO of the company, will succeed him as president and CEO on Jan. 1.

Gainor joined IDQ in 2003 as chief supply chain officer and was promoted to president and CEO in 2008.

“John has done everything I hoped for — and more — in accelerating IDQ’s growth in the US and internationally,” said Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., parent company of IDQ. “I thank him for both that and for the development of an outstanding successor, Troy Bader.”

Bader joined IDQ in 2001, serving in various executive leadership positions before being named COO in 2011.

“IDQ is a strong company with a history of great leadership,” Bader said. “I am honored to be entrusted to lead IDQ and to continue to represent the iconic Dairy Queen brand. I look forward to working with our worldwide team of dedicated employees, franchisees and vendors to grow the brand even further through the delivery of exceptional products, great service and memorable experiences for our fans throughout the world.”