Dan Cathy

Dan T. Cathy currently serves as the Chairman of Chick-fil-A, Inc. He was previously the company’s Chief Executive Officer, serving as CEO from 2013 until November 1, 2021, when his son Andrew T. Cathy became the third CEO in Chick-fil-A history.

The son of Chick-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy, Dan continues to build on his father’s legacy as board chairman, helping guide the business and supporting Chick-fil-A’s executive leaders. Dan is also involved in leadership development and onboarding new franchise Operators and corporate staff. And he serves as a passionate brand ambassador in Chick-fil-A’s hometown of Atlanta and other markets.

As CEO, Dan was committed to enhancing Chick-fil-A’s reputation for customer service, continuing to build a healthy and inspiring culture, and encouraging the leadership of franchise Operators at the restaurant level. On his watch, the company also evolved its menu and embraced digital marketing with the launch of the Chick-fil-A ONE app. Across Dan’s 20 years as COO and CEO, annual revenue grew from roughly $1 billion to $16 billion. 

Dan’s Chick-fil-A career began early. As a boy, he sang for customers and performed in radio ads for his father’s original "Dwarf House" restaurant in Hapeville, Ga. Before becoming CEO in 2013, Dan was President and Chief Operating Officer for 12 years. His earlier roles include Senior Director of Operations, Vice President of Operations, and Executive Vice President.

Active in the Atlanta community, Dan is eager to serve his hometown by bringing people together, bridging social and racial divides, and reducing economic and educational inequities. He is working to improve historic Westside in partnership with other business leaders, nonprofits, charities, and government agencies. Dan serves on the boards of the Georgia Aquarium, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Atlanta Committee for Progress, and Berry College.

A musician known to play his trumpet at restaurant openings and the Chick-fil-A Support Center, Dan also enjoys gardening, landscaping, and hosting related clinics. A lifelong athlete, he has completed multiple marathons and recently took up road cycling on his Chick-fil-A-branded bike. In addition, he likes playing golf, flying small planes, and hitting the road on his motorcycle as a member of the “Moo Cow Bikers”.

A recipient of the Zig Ziglar Servant Leadership Award, Dan has been honored in Atlanta by the Urban League and the Council for Quality Growth. In 2022, he will become a Georgia Trustee, receiving the state’s highest honor as a model of selfless leadership. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Georgia Southern University and honorary degrees from Pepperdine, The University of West Georgia, the HBCA Entrepreneur Summit, Anderson College, and Carver Bible College.

Married for 48 years, Dan and his wife Rhonda have six grandchildren and two sons, both of whom work in the family business. As noted above, Andrew is Chick-fil-A's CEO, and Ross serves as Vice President of DTC Enterprises. A church worship leader his entire adult life, Dan has taught youth Sunday school for four decades.