The WaBa Grill franchise leadership puts franchise owner success first!
Andrew Kim, CEO
In January 2021, Andrew Kim was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and President of WaBa Grill Franchise Corp. Previously, he served as Chief Legal Officer from June 2018 to January 2021. Prior to that, Andrew spent 29 years in private law practice specializing in franchise law. Until joining WaBa Grill in 2018, he served as WaBa Grill’s outside counsel for franchise matters since 2005.
AFSHIN COMPANI, PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Afshin Compani was appointed President of WaBa Grill in 2026 and continues to serve as the company’s Chief Operations Officer, a role he has held since January 2022. As President and COO, Afshin oversees the brand’s operational strategy, franchise support, restaurant development, and systemwide growth initiatives, helping drive continued performance and expansion across the WaBa Grill system.
Since joining WaBa Grill in 2017, Afshin has held several key leadership positions, including Vice President of Franchise Operations from December 2017 to February 2021 and Chief Restaurant and Development Officer from February 2021 to January 2022. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening operational excellence, enhancing franchisee support, and advancing the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Prior to WaBa Grill, Afshin spent five years with El Pollo Loco in franchise and corporate operations leadership roles. He also brings more than 27 years of experience with Taco Bell and Yum! Brands International, where he held a variety of operations leadership positions and developed extensive expertise in restaurant operations, franchise management, and multi-unit business growth.
MARK FINNEGAN, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OF MARKETING
Mark Finnegan was appointed Senior Vice President of WaBa Grill in 2026 and continues to serve as the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, a role he has held since September 2020. Since joining WaBa Grill in December 2017 as Vice President of Marketing and Technology, Mark has played a key role in driving the brand’s growth and evolution. He oversees all brand strategy, digital marketing, advertising, loyalty, off-premise growth, and guest engagement initiatives across the WaBa Grill system.
With more than 20 years of restaurant industry experience, Mark has held leadership positions with several nationally recognized brands, including Pizza Hut, Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, IHOP, and Wendy’s. He is also the founder of Brand Rise Global, a brand and digital marketing consultancy focused on helping organizations accelerate growth through innovative marketing strategies. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Information Technology and an MBA, bringing a unique blend of technology expertise and marketing leadership to WaBa Grill’s executive team.
RENNY FREET, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF ORGANIZATION OFFICER
Renny was appointed Executive Vice President of WaBa Grill in 2026 and continues to serve as the company’s Chief Organizational Officer, a role he has held since January 2022. Prior to that, he served as WaBa Grill’s Senior Vice President from 2018 to 2021.
Before joining WaBa Grill, Renny spent five years as Senior Vice President for Togo’s Restaurants. He also served as Senior Director of Training for Dine Equity (Applebee’s and IHOP) for 12 years and held leadership positions with Starbucks Coffee. Earlier in his career, he spent nine years with Taco Bell as a Market Manager overseeing the Tucson, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles markets. With more than 35 years of restaurant industry experience, Renny brings extensive expertise in operations, training, leadership development, and organizational growth.
STEVEN WANG, SR. DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE, DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION
Steven Wang was brought onboard WaBa Grill in May of 2014 to pioneer and establish the Real Estate Department within the company as the Real Estate Manager. Shortly after, he was then assigned to the role of Director of Development in January 2017. Steven’s role and responsibilities expanded even further when in April of 2019, he was appointed Director of Real Estate, Development & Construction. Prior to joining WaBa Grill, Steven was an Investment Consultant with Citi Personal Wealth Management and winner of the CitiStars award for his outstanding performance. Steven believes that Franchisees are the foundation of the WaBa Grill business and makes it a priority to maintain strong and friendly relationship with all Franchises in the system.
ADAM KINSINGER, SR. DIRECTOR OF IT
Adam Kinsinger is the Director of Technology at WaBa Grill and has more than 15 years of technology management experience, specific to the restaurant industry. In his current role at WaBa Grill, Adam is responsible for delivering scalable technology solutions to the franchisee and corporate environment. Adam has been a pioneer in the use of next-generation technology to deliver a seamless guest experience and serves on various advisory boards.
ERIK HECKMAN, SR. DIRECTOR OF SUPPLY CHAIN & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Erik Heckman joined WaBa Grill in March of 2018 had moved early on from field responsibilities into the procurement role. He now oversees the supply chain and product development departments where he enjoys optimizing products from inception to execution. Erik comes from a 20-year background of restaurant operations experience, most notably with Starbucks for 11 years. He stays active and disciplined with health and overall wellness which WaBa Grill enables with its food and culture. Erik lives in Aliso Viejo with his family of two spirited young girls and creative wife.
JONATHAN AGUIRRE, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Jonathan Aguirre was appointed Director of Operations for WaBa Grill in 2026 after serving as a Senior Franchisee Business Consultant. Since joining WaBa Grill in 2014, Jonathan has held a variety of operational leadership roles, including General Manager, District Manager, Field Training Manager, and Franchisee Business Consultant.
With more than a decade of experience within the WaBa Grill system, Jonathan has developed extensive expertise in restaurant operations, training, and franchise support. In his current role, he works closely with franchisees to drive operational excellence, strengthen business performance, and support the brand’s continued growth. Jonathan believes that building trust and maintaining strong relationships with franchise partners are key factors in achieving long-term success.
Outside of work, Jonathan is an avid baseball fan who enjoys attending games throughout the year and has a goal of visiting every Major League Baseball stadium.
ROMIK NAZARIAN, SENIOR FRANCHISE CONSULTANT
Romik Nazarian joined WaBa Grill in July of 2019 as a Franchise Business Consultant. Prior to joining WaBa Grill, Romik was a multi-unit franchisee for Togo’s Sandwiches, with three locations across Southern California, and previously worked with an IHOP franchisee in Texas. With WaBa Grill, Romik works with a group of over 24 franchisees, with nearly 50 restaurants in California and Arizona. Since joining WaBa, Romik has worked with franchisees and assisted them with their growth within the brand, and has helped implement several new brand initiatives. Romik believes in providing the franchisees with exceptional support and fostering relationships that will help the brand continue to grow throughout the country.