Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc., the largest franchisee for Buffalo Wild Wings and creator and operator of Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern, announced that Phyllis A. Knight has joined Diversified Restaurant Holdings as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Concurrently, David G. Burke has assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of DRH, and Michael Ansley will continue as Executive Chairman of the Board in accordance in keeping with the previously announced succession plan.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this company, and am equally excited about its future,” comments Ansley. “We have begun the next phase of our strategy, and believe David and Phyllis are the right choices to execute our plans and deliver shareholder value.”
Burke says, “I am honored to take on this role and look forward to advancing the Company’s strategic priorities as we focus on our highly-successful BWW franchise and further strengthening our balance sheet and profitability.” He added, “We are fortunate to add Phyllis to the team. She is an accomplished executive and her significant experience in finance, operations and capital markets align very well with DRH’s strategic focus.”
Knight brings more than 30 years of finance, accounting and leadership experience. She has served in several senior executive positions in the manufacturing, home builder and mortgage services industries. She most recently served as EVP and CFO of Polar Corporation, the largest tank trailer manufacturing, parts, and service organization in North America. Prior to that Knight spent eleven years at Champion Enterprises, Inc. and Champion Enterprises Holdings, LLC, the bulk of which as EVP and CFO. At Champion, she directed all finance functions, including strategic planning, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting, treasury, capital markets, investor relations, cash management, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and IT. A Certified Public Accountant (inactive license), Knight began her career at KPMG after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Michigan State University.
