Across North Texas, companies are promoting and hiring people to take on leadership positions within their organizations. Dallas Innovates covers prominent personnel moves in Dallas-Fort Worth businesses and nonprofits—from the newest startups to well-established companies. Here are people moves tied to innovation and technology in the region.

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Wingstop promotes from within for new COO

Mahesh Sadarangani

Dallas-based Wingstop has promoted Mahesh Sadarangani to chief operating officer, where he will replace Larry Krueger who is stepping down from that position on March 7.

Sadarangani, who joined Wingstop in July, has been senior vice president of the fast-casual dining chain. Before joining Wingstop, Sadarangani was previously chief administrative officer of Irving-based CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese.

While working as the head of Wingstop’s channel strategy, Sadarangani helped strengthen and refine the growth agenda for the company, according to a statement. He led the rollout of Wingstop’s nationwide delivery, aided in the company’s pricing strategy, and worked to expand its number of nontraditional units.

Ansira Partners appoints Endow as chief delivery and innovation officer

Rajdeep Endow

Rajdeep Endow has joined Dallas-based Ansira Partners Inc., one of the largest independent marketing agencies in North America, in the new position of chief delivery and innovation officer.

Endow will be responsible for scaling Ansira’s delivery capabilities, as well as expanding its offerings, according to a statement. Endow is also expected to lead Ansira’s focus on establishing innovative processes and tools and driving innovation on behalf of the company’s clients.

Endow comes to Ansira after 17 years in leadership roles—most recently as managing director at Publicis Sapient, where he led the business for SapientNitro, Razorfish, and Digitas in the Asia-Pacific markets. Previously, Endow led global delivery of services for Sapient. There, he was responsible for managing its client work across more than 30 offices and over 8,000 people, along with building and integrating diverse capabilities across marketing, design, and technology, according to a statement.

In 2018, Ansira acquired Dallas-based Adobe solutions provider Defakto in a move allowing the companies to combine services and strengthen their Adobe capabilities.

Hutchinson joins Varsity Brands as EVP and CFO

John Hutchinson

Varsity Brands, a Dallas-based market leader in team sports, school spirit, and achievement recognition, announced that John Hutchinson has joined the company as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

He will report to CEO Adam Blumenfeld and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team. According to a statement, Hutchinson will have broad responsibility for the company’s financial priorities, reporting, strategy, and operations and will work closely with leaders at Varsity Brands’ three divisions: Varsity Spirit, Herff Jones, and BSN SPORTS.

He comes to Varsity Brands from Apple Leisure Group, a North American travel, hospitality, and leisure management group, where he was most recently president.

Galloway joins Invitation Homes as EVP and head of human resources

Elizabeth Galloway

Elizabeth Galloway has joined the Invitation Homes Inc. team as its executive vice president and chief human resources officer.

According to a statement, Galloway is a seasoned human resources executive who brings nearly two decades of leadership and human resources experience to her new position.

Galloway will lead Invitation Homes’ human resources team and ensure a well-developed strategy and execution on recruiting and retention, training and career development, compensation and benefits, and culture, according to a statement.

Before joining Invitation Homes, Galloway was the chief human resources officer of Plano-based home décor retailer At Home.

European Wax Center taps O’Connor as chief legal officer

Gavin O’Connor

Gavin O’Connor has been appointed chief legal officer and corporate secretary of Plano-based European Wax Center.

O’Connor brings extensive legal expertise with public entities, international business, corporate transactions, and compliance, along with in-depth franchising knowledge to his new position, according to a statement. O’Connor will oversee all legal matters, provide guidance on new ventures and strategic partnerships, and advise all corporate areas. 

Before joining European Wax Center, O’Connor was vice president and deputy general counsel for such retailers as American Eagle Outfitters Inc. and General Nutrition Centers, Inc.

Goosehead Insurance announces executive moves

Westlake-based independent personal lines insurance agency Goosehead Insurance Inc. has announced senior officer promotions and new management additions,

The company said the moves are:

• Dan Farrell, who has joined as Vice President – Capital Markets. He will be responsible for leading investor relations and public relations efforts.
• Brian Pattillo, who has been promoted to Vice President and will continue to report to COO Mike Colby.
• Mark E. Jones Jr., who has been promoted to Vice President – Finance. He will continue to report to CFO Mark Colby.
• Matt Hunt, who has been promoted to Managing Director. He will continue to report to Vice President Gary Delavan.
• Anthony Roland, who has joined as Controller. Roland will report to Mark Jones Jr.

Muschalek to head wealth management at Hilltop Securities

John Muschalek

John R. Muschalek has been promoted to head of Wealth Management by Hilltop Securities, the Dallas-based full-service municipal investment bank and registered investment adviser.

Muschalek will oversee the firm’s private client group, independent advisor network, securities lending, and clearing services businesses, according to a statement.

Muschalek has been with Hilltop for more than 27 years and has been in a variety of leadership roles. Most recently, he was Hilltop’s chief administrative officer. Muschalek is a member of Hilltop Securities’ executive committee and reports to president and CEO Brad Winges.

Crow to retire as CEO of Builders FirstSource

Chad Crow

Builders FirstSource CEO Chad Crow has decided to retire after 20 years with the Dallas-based manufacturer and supplier of building materials.

Crow plans to retire this year after assisting the board of directors in hiring his replacement and has agreed to continue with the company in a consulting capacity for a period of time following the appointment of a new CEO.

The company has hired a global executive search firm to help identify a highly-qualified leader for the CEO position, according to a statement.

Dave Abel

Dave Abel has been named as president and CEO of Carrollton-based Aventiv Technologies.

The company is a portfolio operation at Platinum Equity. According to a statement, Aventiv Technologies was launched in October as part of a corporate reorganization reflective of its distinct business lines.

Earlier this month, Evon Jones was appointed as chief information officer by Aventiv Technologies.

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