In New Year, IHOP To Welcome New President

A new leader is lined up at IHOP after President Jay Johns announced he would retire Jan. 6, 2025, concluding his nearly 16-year career comprising several leadership roles at Dine Brands.

Jay Johns will remain president of IHOP through year’s end.

Taking his place will be Lawrence Kim, the previous chief innovation officer at Yum Brands. Kim will join IHOP on Oct. 21 as president designee before officially assuming the role when Johns departs. Johns—who became president in June 2019, helping IHOP adapt amid the pandemic and more—will stay on in an advisory capacity until March 2025.

Prior to his recent role at Yum Brands, Kim worked at Taco Bell, Samsung, and Procter & Gamble. IHOP says “he has a proven track record of success and is a leader in global brand strategy, marketing and digital innovation.”

Now, as president of IHOP, he will oversee the brand’s continued expansion, with a focus on innovation, guest experience and restaurant development growth.

“Stepping into the leadership role of this iconic brand is a true privilege,” Kim says. “I have cherished memories of dining at IHOP with family and friends, and I’m thrilled to join this exceptional team. Together with our dedicated franchisees, we’ll work tirelessly to ensure that IHOP continues to be an integral part of family culture for generations to come.”

IHOP currently has more than 1,800 restaurants globally, including locations in 13 countries outside the U.S.