Innovation strategy and pipeline leadership: Develop and execute the innovation roadmap; maintain a multi-year pipeline aligned with enterprise growth objectives that delivers at least three product innovations and at least one renovation each year; identify consumer, food, technology, and cultural trends; set priorities and resource allocation; shape menu strategy, portfolio architecture, and product lifecycle management with executive leadership; maintain supplier relationships; and optimize innovation processes from consumer-driven ideas through commercialization. Cross-functional leadership and execution: Serve as executive sponsor for major innovation programs and national launches; lead cross-functional teams through concept development, testing, readiness, and commercialization; align Marketing, Operations, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, Franchisees, Decision Science, and International teams; balance consumer appeal, operational feasibility, and franchisee economics; and drive execution and business outcomes.