Lance Tucker Elevated to Permanent Chief Executive Officer at Jack in the Box Inc.

From CFO to the Top Role

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) has officially named Lance Tucker as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, following his tenure as interim CEO since February 2025. The San Diego-based restaurant company’s board of directors greenlit the promotion, with Tucker also joining the board as a director.

Tucker brings a notable track record within the restaurant industry, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Jack in the Box from March 2018 through September 2020. After a period outside the company, he was brought back in November 2024 as CFO before stepping into the interim chief executive role just a few months later. His combined experience in financial operations and strategic management positions him to address the company’s near-term challenges.

Strategic Priorities and Company Vision

According to Dave Goebel, Chairman of Jack in the Box’s Board, “Lance’s deep financial expertise and restaurant industry background come at a crucial moment for the organization. The board is confident he will drive the company toward the operational and financial performance that shareholders demand from our established brands.”

In his own statement, Tucker outlined his focus areas: capital allocation optimization, accelerated free cash flow generation, and transitioning toward a more asset-light operational model. “Our corporate leadership and franchise partners are well-positioned to execute this turnaround strategy and ensure both brands remain competitive and profitable,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Dawn Hooper continues in the interim principal financial officer role pending the appointment of a permanent Chief Financial Officer.

Business Scale and Footprint

Jack in the Box operates and franchises two major brands across the United States. The flagship Jack in the Box chain comprises approximately 2,200 locations spanning 22 states, establishing it as one of the nation’s leading hamburger restaurant chains. The company also owns Del Taco, the second-largest Mexican-American quick-service restaurant chain by unit count, with roughly 600 locations across 17 states.

Tucker’s appointment marks a shift toward stabilizing operations and rekindling shareholder value at the company, which has navigated challenging market conditions in the casual dining sector.