Just ahead of celebrating its 35th year in business, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina announced Monday the addition of Tom Pennison as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer. Pennison is an established financial leader with 26 years of public and industry experience who will be playing an integral role in the brand’s strategic growth plans. Additionally, he will oversee implementation of business processes and technologies that streamline operations and bolster profitability.
“I’m very pleased to welcome Tom to our team,” says president and CEO for On The Border, Ward Whitworth. “He not only brings a wealth of leadership experience in restaurant hospitality but also exemplifies our most valued leadership principles. Tom respects the importance that culture and relationships play in both our corporate environment and in the experiences we deliver our guests.”
Before joining On The Border, Pennison served as CFO for both Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group as well as Ruth’s Hospitality Group and had responsibility for leading teams across accounting, financial planning and analysis, information technology, and purchasing. “I am honored to join the On The Border team. This is an amazing brand with a rich heritage of providing delicious food and a fun experience to guests,” says Pennison. “I look forward to contributing to the positive momentum at OTB.”
Pennison is a graduate of the University of New Orleans, where he earned both his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1991 before working at the prestigious KPMG LLC of New Orleans.
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the world’s largest Mexican casual dining brand, offering an extensive menu of great-tasting, classic and contemporary Mexican food, like sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, and award winging margaritas. On The Border is owned by Border Holdings, LLC, with 157 restaurants in 32 states, Puerto Rico and Asia.
