DENVER – Smashburger has appointed Greg Creighton, chief operating officer, to president. The company also announced several other key promotions and the hiring of two vice presidents.

Prior to joining Smashburger, Creighton served as president, COO and chief financial officer at Leeann Chin, where he directed all retail operations, production and distribution operations, among other responsibilities.


Chris Chang has joined Smashburger as senior vice president of finance and strategy. He will be responsible for Smashburger’s finance, accounting, strategy, investor relations, purchasing and IT functions. Chang was previously a vice president in the private equity group at Consumer Capital Partners, where he focused on restaurant and multi-unit consumer investments.

Jeremy Morgan was promoted to senior vice president, marketing and consumer insights. Morgan previously served as vice president, strategy. Prior to joining Smashburger, he was a Case Team Leader with Bain & Company in Chicago as well as an associate for corporate strategy at JPMorganChase.

Max Sheets has been promoted to senior vice president, real estate. Sheets previously held the position of vice president, real estate. He brings more than 20 years of experience in restaurant specific site selection and real estate development. He previously served as vice president of real estate and development for Atlanta-based Ted’s Montana Grill, Total Entertainment Restaurant Corporation and Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon.

Doug Branigan, senior vice president, franchising, has taken on expanded responsibility and will now lead franchise sales and relations, and will continue to stay involved in franchise real estate and development. Branigan has more than 25 years experience in restaurant operations with family dining, casual dining and fine dining establishments. Prior to joining Smashburger, he was a joint venture partner for Mimi’s Café. He also served as general manager and regional manager at Chart House Restaurants, and Western vice president of operations at Morton's.

Jim Ernster has been promoted to vice president, construction, where he will lead new restaurant development for company and franchise units. Ernster has more than 20 years experience in construction and restaurant development with brands such as Old Chicago and Rock Bottom. He previously held the position of director of construction.

Doug Thielen has joined as vice president, communications, where he will lead all public relations and corporate communications activities. He joins Smashburger from Qdoba Restaurant Corporation, where he served as manager of non-traditional marketing and public relations.

Smashburger calls itself the country’s fastest-growing, fast-casual “better burger” restaurant. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories throughout the country with 115 restaurants nationwide.