Famous Brands Appoints Dustin Lyman As CEO

BROOMFIELD, Colo., Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Famous Brands International ("Famous Brands" or the "Company"), a portfolio company of Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. ("Z Capital") and the parent company of Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY Yogurt, today announced the appointment of Dustin Lyman as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.  

Mr. Lyman joined Famous Brands in 2013 as Director of Finance and as part of the management team appointed by Z Capital Partners, the private equity management arm of Z Capital Group. He has held positions of increasing responsibility since that time and played a key role in the development and implementation of the Company's strategic plan. Most recently, Mr. Lyman served as Famous Brands' Chief Financial Officer, where he focused on driving growth and profitability with a range of initiatives, including: 

• Investing in store-level improvements at existing locations; 
• Adding locations in key markets, across both franchised and owned-and-operated stores; 
• Streamlining supply chain contracts and improving operational efficiencies; 
• Implementing innovative technologies, including the TCBY vending machines; 
• Revamping the Company's e-commerce sites; and 
• Expanding the direct-to-consumer business and the licensing and corporate gifting programs. 

Prior to joining Famous Brands, Mr. Lyman held key financial positions at large organizations, including Vail Resorts and Dish Network. He was previously a professional athlete, playing Tight End for the Chicago Bears from 2000 through 2005. Mr. Lyman holds a B.A. in Economics from Wake Forest University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. 

"Dustin has been an integral part of creating and executing Famous Brands' strategic vision over the last several years, and I am pleased he will be taking on additional responsibilities in his new role as CEO," said James Zenni, President and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital. "Importantly, Dustin's strong leadership abilities and management philosophy have resonated with franchisees, licensees and business partners who share his belief that great success is achieved through teamwork. He brings extensive industry experience and a proven track record of driving growth and profitability, and I look forward to working with Dustin and the rest of the talented leadership team as the Company enters its next phase of growth." 

Mr. Lyman, who credits his commitment to a collaborative and team-driven approach to his experience playing collegiate and professional sports, said, "I am excited to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Famous Brands and look forward to continuing to build upon the strong foundation we have put in place. Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY are two of America's most iconic consumer brands, and I am thrilled about the opportunities we plan to leverage as we continue growing." 

Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell, who coached Mr. Lyman when he attended Wake Forest University, said, "Dustin is a natural leader that sets a high standard for himself and those around him. He has a winning mentality and a focused determination that motivates people."