Your Pie, the nation’s original fast casual pizza brand, has announced Dave McDougall as its new Chief Operating Officer. With more than 30 years of experience in franchise operations, development and expansion, McDougall brings a wealth of industry expertise to the Your Pie family.

As Chief Operating Officer, McDougall will oversee operations and marketing at both the national and store levels, with an emphasis on market research and new product development to help hone and strengthen the brand’s voice while fueling franchise growth.

“Your Pie is proud to welcome a seasoned industry veteran like Dave to our executive team,” said Your Pie Founder and President Drew French. “As we continue expanding across the nation, Dave will help us to navigate high volume growth while maintaining the unique experience that has always defined the Your Pie brand. We look forward to increasing our current momentum under Dave’s leadership and are excited to see how his expertise will amplify our brand.”

Prior to joining Your Pie, McDougall held executive roles in operations and franchising with organizations such as Back Yard Burgers, NextCen Brands, FOCUS Brands and more. While with FOCUS Brands, McDougall served as Vice President of Operations, leading a marketing team that expanded Cinnabon franchise locations internationally. In the role, he also oversaw operations for more than 1,000 Cinnabon and Carvel locations. Most recently, McDougall served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Back Yard Burgers Inc., a better-burger restaurant brand based in Nashville, Tenn. After joining the company in 2013, McDougall led the brand’s successful turnaround through improved financial performance and franchisee relations.

“I am thrilled to join the Your Pie team as we usher in the brand’s second decade and hope to help lay the foundation for the next 10 years of success,” McDougall said. “I have always been passionate about the franchise model, and as Chief Operating Officer, I plan to place tremendous focus on current franchisees and how we can best support them while maintaining steady growth. I see tremendous potential in this brand and in the fast-casual pizza sector, and I look forward to working alongside Drew and team to create an impact in decade two.”