Michael Clarke

Michael has served as Managing Director, Europe for The Wendy’s Company since April 2025. He is accountable for both Company owned and franchise operated restaurants. 

He has overall operational and business development responsibility for this important regional growth market, ensuring the brand reaches its full potential by driving a globally great, locally even better mindset. This includes elevating the customer experience and brand performance to the highest levels while leading strategies that drive sales and profitability. 

Michael joined Wendy’s in April 2020 as Director of UK Operations supporting Wendy’s market entry and helping to grow the brand to its current scale across the country. He was promoted to UK Managing Director in 2023. 

Michael is a firm believer that each person has potential, and it is a leader’s responsibility to find and fulfill it. He says this leadership philosophy has served him well over his more than 20 years working with global brands in the hospitality industry. 

Prior to joining Wendy’s, Michael worked in business development leading brand innovation and assessing new business opportunities for expansion for the UK’s largest Pizza Hut franchise operator. He also worked in operations roles while at Pizza Hut and served as Head of Operations for Firezza Pizza, a London-based pizzeria chain. 

His go-to Wendy’s menu item is the Baconator®, which he says he enjoys regularly and particularly after a game of football (soccer) with his family—who also insist on a Chocolate Frosty® at every visit.