Denny’s names its Chairwoman Debra Smithart-Oglesby as interim CEO replacing Nelson Marchioli

Denny’s names interim CEO to replace Marchioli

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Denny’s says it has named its chairwoman as the restaurant chain’s interim CEO, replacing Nelson Marchioli.

Debra Smithart-Oglesby will serve as CEO until a permanent chief executive is hired, Denny’s said in a statement late Tuesday.

The company did not say why Marchioli was replaced and a spokesman was unable to provide further details.

Denny’s also said it had formed a team led by Smithart-Oglesby to provide “organizational focus” during the transition period.

Last month, Marchioli, Smithart-Oglesby and other board members survived a proxy fight waged by disgruntled shareholders seeking to oust them. Denny’s operates 1,322 franchised and licensed restaurants and 237 company-owned restaurants.