Manufacturing  September 21, 2016

Former NFL player to lead cookie, yogurt companies

BROOMFIELD — Former NFL player Dustin Lyman has been promoted to chief executive of Broomfield-based Famous Brands International, the parent company of Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY Yogurt.

Lyman, who played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 through 2005, joined Famous Brands in 2013 as director of finance and part of the management team appointed by Famous Brands’ owner Z Capital Partners LLC, the private-equity management arm of Z Capital Group.

Lyman replaces Jonathan T. Drake, who became CEO of Famous Brands in October 2015.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Ways to thank a caregiver

If you have a caregiver or know someone who has been serving as a primary caregiver, March 3rd is the day to reach out and show them how much they are valued!

Famous Brands has had a few people in the CEO slot since it was acquired in 2013 by Z Capital Partners LLC., the private-equity arm of Chicago-based Z Capital Group LLC.

Drake replaced Neal Courtney, who left the company in July 2014. Courtney had been named chief executive and chairman of the board of Famous Brands at the time of the acquisition, after serving as the interim CEO since February 2013, after the departure of former CEO Tim Casey to Qdoba Mexican Grill.

Prior to joining Famous Brands, Lyman held financial positions at large organizations, including Vail Resorts and Dish Network.

“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,” James Zenni, president and CEO of Z Capital, said in a prepared statement.

Lyman credits his commitment to a collaborative and team-driven approach to his experience playing collegiate and professional sports.

“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 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.”

BROOMFIELD — Former NFL player Dustin Lyman has been promoted to chief executive of Broomfield-based Famous Brands International, the parent company of Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY Yogurt.

Lyman, who played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 through 2005, joined Famous Brands in 2013 as director of finance and part of the management team appointed by Famous Brands’ owner Z Capital Partners LLC, the private-equity management arm of Z Capital Group.

Lyman replaces Jonathan T. Drake, who became CEO of Famous Brands in October 2015.

Famous Brands has had a few people in the CEO slot since it was acquired in 2013 by…

Sign up for BizWest Daily Alerts