IRVINE, California, March 1, 2017 – McDermott & Bull, ranked among the Top 50 largest executive search firms in the Americas and the fastest-growing firm within the Hunt Scanlon Top 50 Recruiters list, is proud to announce the successful appointment of Kara Wheeler as Director of Human Resources with Baker’s Drive-Thru, one of Southern California’s most iconic fast-food chains.
This executive recruiting engagement was conducted by Rod McDermott, CEO & Co-Founder; Jared Moriarty, Associate Principal Consultant; and Brittany Rausch, Recruiting Associate at McDermott & Bull. According to McDermott, “Baker’s Drive-Thru is a company with such a rich history and loyal customer base. Customers and employees alike are practically family to the leadership team. It was a privilege to be able to add to that team and bring in Kara, who we believe is the perfect fit for Baker’s as it continues to grow.”
A native of Southern California, Wheeler is a Human Resources professional who knows Baker’s Drive-Thru well. She has extensive experience in the fast food industry; first with Wendy’s, where she managed Human Resources for all corporate-owned restaurants in California and Hawaii; and then Carl’s Jr., where she oversaw the HR department for the nation’s top performing region, and was personally responsible for 125 restaurants.
About Baker’s Drive-Thru
Baker’s Drive-Thru is one of Southern California’s most iconic fast-food chains. The company was founded over 60 years ago by Neal Baker, a visionary who noticed that most fast-food chains either offered traditional burgers and fries, or Mexican food such as tacos and burritos, but never both. Therefore, Mr. Baker developed the “twin-kitchen” concept, where burgers would be sold at one window, and Mexican food at the other. Today, Baker’s Drive-Thru operates 39 restaurants throughout Southern California and employs nearly 1,500 people. The brand has one of the most loyal customer followings in the industry, as their food boasts a healthier and cheaper option, with better service, than many of its competitors.
About McDermott & Bull
McDermott & Bull has been redefining expectations within the world of executive search since 2001. The firm’s practice leaders, all of whom have substantial executive experience, are uniquely positioned to address the dynamic leadership demands of public and private companies across nearly every industry. With the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott & Bull is powerfully equipped to service both the permanent and interim needs of its clients. Respected companies including Aramark, CoreLogic, Epson America, Hyundai Capital America, In-N-Out Burger, Kaiser Aluminum, Unified Grocers, Western Federal Credit Union (UNIFY Financial Credit Union), Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Chicken of the Sea, Western Digital, Golden State Foods, Google, Panda Restaurant Group, Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Comerica Bank, Union Bank, as well as portfolio companies owned by private equity firms such as Riverside Company, Sun Capital Partners, ClearLight Partners, Swander Pace Capital, Chicago Growth Partners, Atar Capital, and Riordan, Lewis & Hayden, have all partnered with McDermott & Bull. Additionally, the firm’s Executive Network program provides valuable resources for and offers opportunities to build meaningful relationships with thousands of C-Suite and VP-level executives throughout the country.