GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 06, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meritage Hospitality Group, Inc. (OTCQX: MHGU), one of the nation’s premier restaurant operators, announced today the promotion of Doug Poland to Vice President of Real Estate and Jeff VanHaitsma to Vice President of Human Resources.
Poland joined Meritage in 2013 as Director of Real Estate after serving the company for eight years. He was previously a real estate attorney at McShane & Bowie, P.L.C., a Grand Rapids based law firm. During his tenure with the company, he has brought structure and strategy to our growing portfolio of restaurants and real estate holdings. In his elevated role, he will oversee all company real estate related assets, including strategic planning, leasing, contracts and construction. He will also play a key role in the overall strategic direction of the company.
“Doug has been critical to our continued growth and success, and is a valuable member of our leadership team. We are excited to elevate his opportunity to drive real estate strategies and execution through our next phase of growth,” said Meritage President Gary Rose.
VanHaitsma joined Meritage in 2014 as Director of Organizational Development. He grew his talent management and human resources experience in the West Michigan area at Herman Miller, Family Christian Stores and Amway. In his Director role at Meritage, he has led the charge in building capabilities around strategically attracting, developing and retaining strong talent. In his new role, Jeff will continue to drive talent management capability and build out strong support for the broader functions of Human Resources. He will also play a key role in the overall strategic direction of the company.
“Jeff brings a very high level of energy and excitement to our leadership team. His relentless pursuit of honesty and integrity in dealing with employees and leadership development helps us better define and develop our future leaders,” said President Gary Rose.
About Meritage
Meritage Hospitality Group is one of the nation’s premier restaurant operators, with 318 restaurants in operation located in Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Meritage is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, operating with a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees. The Company’s public filings can be viewed at www.otcmarkets.com, under the stock symbol MHGU, or the Company’s website www.meritagehospitality.com.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
Certain information in this news release, particularly information regarding future economic performance and finances, and plans, expectations and objectives of management, constitutes forward-looking statements. Factors set forth in our Safe Harbor Statement, in addition to other possible factors not listed, could affect the Company’s actual results and cause such results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Please review the Company’s Safe Harbor Statement at http://www.meritagehospitality.com.
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