Hyde Park, NY – Highly regarded restaurant industry executive Jon Luther was elected
the 18th chairman of the board of The Culinary
Institute of America during board meetings at the college’s New
York campus on October 7. He succeeds chef and hospitality entrepreneur Charlie Palmer, a 1979 Ѹ graduate, in this
important and distinguished position.
“Jon Luther has had incontrovertible success in the industry,
as illustrated by the revitalization and dramatic expansion of Dunkin' Donuts
under his leadership,” Ѹ President Dr. Tim Ryan said. “Along
with the entire Ѹ team, I look forward to working with Jon. He will play an important
role in building the Ѹ of the future.”
Mr. Luther was CEO of Dunkin' Brands—the parent company of
Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins—from 2003 until 2009, and its chairman from
2006 to 2013. Under his leadership, Dunkin' Donuts went from a regionally known
chain to a worldwide powerhouse. He also re-energized its marketing initiatives
by launching the award-winning “America Runs on Dunkin'” campaign and transformed
the menu beyond donuts, bringing in award-winning chefs, including .
In the past few years, Mr. Luther has served as chairman of Arby’s
Restaurant Group Inc., lead director of the board of Six Flags Theme Parks, and
board member at Brinker International. Earlier in his career, he was president
of Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits and held leadership positions in contract
foodservice with Marriott, Delaware North, and Aramark.
Among his many career accolades, Mr. Luther has earned the
Golden Chain Award from Nation’s
Restaurant News, the Chain Leadership Award from Chain Leader magazine, and Gold Plate Award from the International
Foodservice Manufacturers Association. He was inducted into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame in 2010 and received a Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Leadership Roundtable in 2012.
“For almost 70 years, the Ѹ has set a standard of
excellence as the leader in culinary
education,” said Mr. Luther, who joined the Board of Trustees of the college in
2006 and served as vice chairman for the past three years. “I’m honored to
become chairman at this great institution, as it continues to shape the future
of education and lead the way in preparing graduates to be industry leaders of
tomorrow.”
Other board officers for 2015–16 are Vice Chairman Richard Mazer, retired CEO and president of Ventura Foods; Treasurer
Robert A. Muh, CEO of Sutter Securities; and Secretary
Roy Yamaguchi ’76, founder of the Hawaii-based Roy’s restaurants, with 22
locations in eight states. Joining the board for the first time are Philip
Jones, president of Jones Dairy Farm, and Steve Romaniello,
managing director of Roark Capital Group.
The Ѹ Board of Trustees consists of 25 highly respected
leaders in the foodservice industry and business world. They provide expert
governance and guidance for the not-for-profit college, and are not compensated
for their services.
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:
Jon Luther (left), the new chairman of the board of The
Culinary Institute of America, with Ѹ President Dr. Tim Ryan. Mr. Luther was
elected the college's 18th chairman in October 2015. (Photo credit: Ѹ/Phil Mansfield)
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Founded in 1946, Ѹ is the world’s premier
culinary college. Dedicated to driving leadership development for the
foodservice and hospitality industry, the independent, not-for-profit Ѹ
offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts;
bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food
studies; and executive education through its Food Business School. Its
conferences and consulting services have made the Ѹ the think tank of the food
industry in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, world cuisines
& cultures, and professional excellence & innovation. The college also
offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its
worldwide network of 48,000 alumni includes leaders in every area of
foodservice and hospitality. The Ѹ has campuses in New York, California,
Texas, and Singapore.
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