Leadership Transition At Cracker Barrel: Julie Felss Masino Takes The Helm From Sandra Cochran

The Board of Directors at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (CBRL) has unveiled a major succession plan, naming Julie Felss Masino as the incoming President and Chief Executive Officer to replace Sandra Cochran. This move marks the completion of a carefully orchestrated multi-year strategic planning initiative led by the Board and the current leadership team.

Masino, 52, brings an impressive track record of driving expansion and innovation within globally recognized restaurant and retail brands. Her most recent position was President of International Operations at Taco Bell, where she gained valuable experience managing complex international markets and scaling operations across diverse regions. This background positions her well to navigate Cracker Barrel’s growth opportunities.

The transition will unfold over a carefully structured timeline. On August 7, 2023, Masino will officially take on the CEO-elect title and begin working closely with Sandra Cochran to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. This collaborative approach will run through the end of October, allowing for comprehensive knowledge transfer and operational continuity.

Starting November 1, 2023, Masino will formally assume her duties as President and CEO while simultaneously joining the Company’s Board of Directors. Concurrently, Sandra Cochran will transition to Executive Chair of the Board, a position she will hold through September 2024. The Board’s current independent Chair, William McCarten, will shift to serve as Lead Independent Director during this period.

This carefully planned succession reflects the Board’s commitment to maintaining strategic stability while bringing fresh perspectives to the organization. The phased approach ensures that institutional knowledge is preserved while enabling the new leadership to establish its vision for the company’s future direction.