Driven Brands announces CEO transition
Chief Operating Officer Daniel Rivera to become President and Chief Executive Officer on May 9, 2025
Driven Brands Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: DRVN) (“Driven Brands” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has named Chief Operating Officer Daniel Rivera as President and Chief Executive Officer and has appointed him to the Board, effective May 9, 2025. On February 24, 2025, Jonathan Fitzpatrick, who has served as Driven Brands’ President and CEO since 2012, notified the Board of his intent to step down as President and CEO effective on May 9, 2025.
Fitzpatrick will continue to serve on the Board and has been appointed as Non-Executive Chair of the Board effective May 9, 2025. Fitzpatrick has also agreed to serve as a senior advisor for the remainder of 2025, working closely with Rivera to ensure a smooth transition. Neal Aronson, current Chairman of the Board, will continue to serve as a director.
Rivera joined Driven Brands as Chief Information Officer in October 2012. Since then, he has held roles of increasing responsibility, including as Meineke Brand President; President of Take 5 Oil Change; Group President of the Maintenance segment; and, most recently, as Chief Operating Officer where he has overseen each of the Company’s business segments. He previously held leadership roles at AutoNation, Burger King Corporation and General Electric.
Rivera’s appointment follows a thoughtful and comprehensive multi-year succession planning process, led by the Board’s Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee.
Peter Swinburn, Chair of the Board’s Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee, said, “Danny has made an impressive impact on Driven Brands throughout his tenure. He is a strong, focused leader with the experience, operational acumen, industry perspective, and business insights to successfully execute on Driven Brands’ strategic objectives. The Board views succession planning as one of its most important responsibilities, and we are confident Danny is the right person to lead Driven Brands.”
“I am honored to be appointed as the next CEO of Driven Brands,” said Rivera. “When I joined the Company 12 years ago, I was inspired by our talented team, leading brands, loyal customers and the strength of our platform. My conviction in this business and the opportunities that lie ahead has only grown since then. I look forward to continuing to build on our momentum and drive profitable growth.”
Fitzpatrick said, “Serving as Driven Brands’ CEO has been the most rewarding and fulfilling accomplishment of my professional career. I am grateful to our world-class team for its commitment to our customers, franchisees, company and each other, and I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished. I have tremendous confidence in Danny and his ability to lead the Company into the future. I look forward to continuing to work with with Danny and the Board to achieve our goals.”
Swinburn added, “On behalf of the full Board, I thank Jonathan for his extraordinary vision and leadership, including growing the business from $38 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2012 to over $550 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2024 and leading the Company through its IPO. Jonathan has been a tremendous partner and instrumental in enabling Driven Brands to grow into the industry leader it is today. The Company will continue to benefit from his expertise as Non-Executive Chair.”
Driven Brands noted that, in connection with the CEO transition, the Board will be expanded to 11 directors.
Note: You can view the press release on our Investor Relations website.