Carrols Restaurant Group CEO dies at age 50

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TAST) on Tuesday announced the death of CEO Paulo Pena, who died unexpectedly in the hospital on Dec. 31.

Pena, who had served as the company’s president and CEO since April 1, 2022, was 50 years old, per the firm’s announcement.

Syracuse–based Carrols Restaurant Group is the nation’s largest Burger King franchisee.

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our friend and colleague Paulo Pena,” David Harris, chairman of the Carrols board of directors, said in a statement. “While his time at Carrols was relatively short, his impact on the company and its business was undeniable. Paulo was a visionary leader who created a culture of operational excellence and put the customer at the forefront of everything we do. While Paulo’s drive, energy and strategic insights will be greatly missed, I am confident that Carrols will continue to build upon the progress we have made under his leadership as we seek to capture the immense opportunities ahead of us. On behalf of the entire Carrols organization, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Paulo’s wife and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as all whose lives he touched.”

The Carrols board of directors has appointed Anthony Hull, Carrols’ VP, CFO, and treasurer, to serve as interim president and CEO until a successor has been identified.

Hull will continue serving as CFO and treasurer while serving as interim president and CEO. The board will be initiating a search for a successor “shortly,” Carrols said.