Dave & Buster's Names Tarun Lal as New CEO

Dave & Buster's appoints Tarun Lal as CEO, effective July 14, 2025. Lal is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience at Yum! Brands, including President of KFC U.S. and Global COO for KFC. He will lead the company's growth and value creation for shareholders. The Board of Directors is confident that Lal will have an immediate impact and drive the business forward.

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLAY) has appointed Tarun Lal as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board member, effective July 14, 2025. The appointment follows a comprehensive search process led by the Board of Directors [1].

Lal, a seasoned global executive with over 25 years of experience at Yum! Brands, previously served as President of KFC U.S. and Global COO for KFC. He is known for his successful track record of growing and improving businesses and brands both domestically and internationally [2].

Kevin Sheehan, Chairman of the Board and Interim CEO, praised Lal's experience and leadership, stating, "Tarun is a talented leader and seasoned operator with a highly successful track record of growing and improving businesses and brands in the U.S. and around the world. We are confident he will have an immediate impact, grow our business, and create substantial shareholder value" [1].

Lal expressed enthusiasm about joining Dave & Buster’s, highlighting the strong brand recognition, loyal customer base, and growth potential of both Dave & Buster’s and Main Event brands. He plans to work closely with the team and the Board to deepen connections with guests and team members, driving immediate and long-term growth and value for all stakeholders [1].

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. operates 236 venues in North America, offering premier entertainment and dining experiences through its two distinct brands: Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. The company reported Q1 2025 revenue of $568 million with net income of $22 million, signaling resilience despite a decline in same-store sales [4].

The appointment of Lal comes as the company looks to strengthen its leadership and drive growth. The Board of Directors is confident that Lal's experience and leadership will have a positive impact on the company's future performance.

References:
[1] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/15/3115599/22805/en/Dave-Buster-s-Appoints-Tarun-Lal-as-Chief-Executive-Officer.html
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/PLAY/dave-buster-s-appoints-tarun-lal-as-chief-executive-8dh9liubaa59.html