James O’Reilly

James joined Ascent Hospitality Management in 2023 as Chief Executive Officer. His 25+ year restaurant career includes senior leadership experience in quick service, fast casual, and full service. Before assuming the CEO role at Ascent, he served as CEO at Smokey Bones, and has also served as CEO of Long John Silver’s. He has held senior brand leadership roles in Canada, the US, Latin America, and the United Kingdom, including Chief Marketing Officer of KFC US, and also Chief Marketing Officer of Sonic Drive-In. He holds a BS in biochemistry from McMaster University and an MBA from York University.