San Diego-based fast-food chain Jack in the Box announced Monday the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Darin Harris, who is leaving for a role outside the restaurant industry.
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lance Tucker has been appointed interim principal executive officer, according to a news release.
Harris, who served as CEO for five years, will remain as a consultant through March 14 to assist with the transition. Tucker, a seasoned finance executive with more than 20 years of industry experience, previously served as Jack in the Box’s CFO from 2018 to 2020 and returned to the role in January 2025. He has also held leadership positions at CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. and Papa John’s International, Inc.
“On behalf of the company, I want to thank Darin for his contributions as CEO,” said David Goebel, chairman of the board. “With Lance’s multi-faceted, strategic expertise over the last 20 years at the executive level, we are excited to welcome him as the interim CEO.”
“The board is confident in Lance’s ability to build upon the existing foundation in a way that balances our growth and financial goals, while ensuring that the company remains competitive in the rapidly evolving quick-service restaurant landscape,” Goebel said.
While Tucker steps in as interim CEO, Senior Vice President & Controller Dawn Hooper will serve as interim principal financial officer. Hooper, a 24-year veteran of Jack in the Box, has previously held leadership roles within the company’s finance division.
Jack in the Box has not yet announced a timeline for selecting a permanent CEO.
