Foxtrot promotes Liz Williams to CEO
Foxtrot Co., a Chicago-based c-store, café and grocer, has promoted Liz Williams to CEO.
Williams joined Foxtrot in June 2022 as the company’s first president and chief financial officer (CFO). During her time with Foxtrot, Williams led the company’s operations, finance, strategy, development and supply chain.
As CEO, Williams will oversee the company’s current portfolio – which includes 26 locations – and its bullish plans to expand in existing and new markets. Foxtrot has current locations in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Dallas and Austin, Tex.
"I'm honored to lead Foxtrot, an incredible brand that is modernizing convenience retail and the local café, with delicious food and beverage options that delight our customers," Williams said. "Mike has created and led a very special brand to this point, I am thrilled to continue with our mission and excited about the growth ahead."
Williams’ previous experience gives her a wealth of knowledge in the food and beverage industry. She previously served as the CFO and then president of Taco Bell International, where she led brand strategy, its growth and the performance of the business across 30 countries.
Williams also brings a wealth of knowledge from her time as CEO for Drybar, a company branded as a blow-dry bar that specializes in blowouts, hair care products and styling tools.
Williams replaces Mike LaVitola, Foxtrot’s co-founder and previous CEO, who helped begin Foxtrot in 2013. LaVitola now becomes chairman of the board.
“Since joining our team last summer, Liz's inspirational leadership, deep admiration for the Foxtrot brand and depth of operating expertise has taken us to new heights. We are thrilled for the opportunity to grow with Liz as our CEO as we introduce Foxtrot to more neighborhoods across the country," said LaVitola.
Williams holds a masters degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Founded and based in Chicago, Foxtrot is a retailer and grocer focused on convenience. The company has opened three new locations so far in 2023: two in the D.C. area and one in Austin. Foxtrot has built its brand around its contemporary c-store esthetic with brick-and-mortar stores, a curated shopping experience that includes craft beer, wine, spirits, and healthy and indulgent foodservice products that include café drinks, smoothies, breakfast tacos and more.
Since inception, Foxtrot has put a deep focus on its e-commerce technology that allows consumers to discover the latest in-store offerings and offers 30-minute deliver and five-minute pickup using Foxtrot’s app.
