ATHENS, GA. — Fast-casual chicken chain Zaxby’s announced Carl Mount is joining the company as chief supply chain officer, effective Jan. 17. Mount will manage partnerships across the supply chain industry to maximize franchise investments.

"I am thrilled to be joining Zaxby's at this point in its growth journey," Mount said. "I met with motivated franchisees and strong experienced leaders which ignited my passion for this brand. Having an opportunity to work with Bernard again was the icing on the cake. Supply chains are volatile and delicate; I look forward to bringing my experience to this team."

Mount brings 25 years of experience to his position, most recently coming from Starbucks, where he served as senior vice president for supply chain operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount worked to minimize supply chain disruptions by implementing new processes and tools at Starbucks. Earlier, he served as head of supply chain for KFC Global. Mount currently serves as board chair for The USC Marshall Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute.

Graduating from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Mount earned his bachelor’s degree in business. He holds an MBA in finance from the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business.

"Having served in roles both in supply chain and procurement for global brands, Carl will help us optimize solutions that better serve our franchisees, team members and guests for maximum resiliency to supply chain challenges now and in the future," said Bernard Acoca, Zaxby's chief executive officer. "I am excited to partner with Carl again and begin the new year with a strong leadership team that can continue executing our ambitious goals for growing Zaxby's in the QSR space."