A number of franchising firms have turned to interim CEOs for change and growth.Debra Smithart-Oglesby was named interim CEO of Denny's Corp after Nelson Marchioli was booted out. El Pollo Loco chose interim CEO Steve Sather when the franchisor's former leader left for franchisor Red Robin.

What's happening asks QSR magazine. Why are franchisors hedging their bets when it comes to leadership?

A company may be looking for more execution on strategy and solutions. “They need people to come in and execute change in a company to show its real value,” LaCorata [executive director of Interim Association] says..."An interim executive can be brought in to enact projects leading to growth, and then exit.”