SA

Susan Aplin

Professional Summary



Professional Overview


Susan Aplin is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in the restaurant and food service industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of Katie Button Restaurants, she spearheads the strategic direction and operations of a renowned culinary group. Additionally, she serves as a CEO Mentor and Advisory Board member for Fuel Goods, providing strategic guidance and industry insights to support the company's growth. Susan is also a Founding Member of Chief, a private network for female executives, where she collaborates with other industry leaders to drive positive change.

Experience Summary



Current Roles


Chief Executive Officer, Katie Button Restaurants (2023-09-01 to Present)
  • Responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational management, and financial performance of the restaurant group

  • Spearheading the expansion of the Katie Button Restaurants brand into new markets while maintaining its commitment to culinary excellence

  • Fostering a collaborative, innovative, and customer-centric culture to drive continued growth and success


CEO Mentor / Board of Advisors, Fuel Goods (2023-05-01 to Present)
  • Providing strategic guidance and industry expertise to the executive team at Fuel Goods, a leading food technology company

  • Advising on product development, market expansion, and business strategy to support the company's growth and competitiveness


Founding Member, Chief (2021-05-01 to Present)
  • Collaborating with other female executives to build a private network focused on empowering women in leadership positions

  • Participating in peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives to drive positive change within the business community


Career Progression


Prior to her current roles, Susan held several leadership positions within the World Trade Center Institute, where she demonstrated her ability to drive organizational transformation and innovation. As the Co-CEO from 2019 to 2023, she led the institute's strategic direction and operations, overseeing a successful period of growth and expansion. Before that, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer, spearheading the development and implementation of new programs and initiatives to enhance the institute's global reach and impact.

Susan's early career also included a role as a Senior Advisor at the World Trade Center Institute, where she provided strategic guidance and leveraged her extensive industry knowledge to support the organization's international development efforts.

Academic Background


Susan holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise


  • Restaurant and food service industry leadership

  • Strategic planning and business development

  • Organizational transformation and innovation

  • Global market expansion and international business development

  • Collaborative leadership and team building

  • Mentorship and executive advisory services


Professional Impact


  • Guided the successful expansion of Katie Button Restaurants into new markets, driving revenue growth and brand recognition

  • Provided strategic oversight and operational expertise to the World Trade Center Institute, leading to a period of sustained growth and increased global impact

  • Leveraged her industry knowledge and executive experience to advise and mentor the leadership team at Fuel Goods, contributing to the company's technological advancements and market positioning

  • Established herself as a respected voice and advocate for female executives through her work with Chief, driving initiatives that empower women in leadership roles


Conclusion


With her extensive experience, strategic acumen, and proven track record of success, Susan Aplin is a respected leader in the restaurant and food service industry. Her ability to drive innovation, foster collaborative cultures, and deliver measurable results make her a valuable asset to the organizations she serves. As she continues to navigate the evolving business landscape, Susan remains focused on leveraging her expertise to create positive impact and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.