Fort Worth-based HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise, has named Chris Phillips as chief financial officer and said he will oversee the company’s finance, accounting, IT, and strategic planning functions as the company continues to grow its nationwide footprint.

“Chris brings the rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on operational experience,” Justin Howe, co-founder and CEO of HTeaO, said in a statement. “He understands what it takes to grow a franchise brand the right way, with discipline, transparency, and a strong partnership mindset. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue investing in our franchisees, our people, and the future of HTeaO.”

Phillips has more than 20 years of experience leading finance and strategy for highly franchised, multi-brand restaurant organizations. His background includes senior leadership roles with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, where he was part of the executive team that helped navigate the brand’s $1.8 billion sale to Restaurant Brands International, and Darden Restaurants, where he led finance and strategy initiatives tied to growth and acquisitions.

“I’m excited to join HTeaO at such a pivotal time,” Phillips said. “The brand has built incredible momentum, a deeply engaged franchise system, and a loyal and growing customer base.”

“What stood out to me immediately was the opportunity ahead to help strengthen the financial foundation of the business while partnering closely with franchisees and leadership to support smart, sustainable growth,” he added. “This is a brand with a long runway, and I’m energized by what we can build together.”

As CFO, Phillips will oversee finance, accounting, strategic planning, and information technology. HTeaO said that he will focus on strengthening financial and technology infrastructure, leveraging insights that support profitable franchisees, and working cross-functionally to execute the company’s long-term growth strategy as the brand scales nationally.

Known for building high-performing teams and scalable systems across finance, analytics, supply chain, and technology, Phillips’ appointment highlights HTeaO’s continued investment in leadership to sustain long-term value creation and a strong, franchise-first growth model, the company said.

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