BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Appoints New Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer

Key Highlights:

• BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) announces the appointment of Ashley A. Van as Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer, effective May 11, 2026.
• Ms. Van brings significant industry experience, including leadership roles at Reformation, Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG), and El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO).
• Compensation package includes a \$340,000 base salary, an annual bonus opportunity of at least 55% of base salary (with a possible multiplier of 75% to 125%), a \$50,000 signing bonus, and an initial equity grant valued at \$300,000.
• Outgoing Principal Accounting Officer duties to transition from Chief Financial Officer J. Todd Wilson, effective the same date.
• Details of Ms. Van’s employment terms and severance arrangements disclosed.

Detailed Report:

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., a leading operator in the casual dining segment, has made a significant leadership appointment. On April 10, 2026, the company announced that Ashley A. Van will become its Senior Vice President and Principal Accounting Officer, starting May 11, 2026. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its executive leadership and financial oversight.

Ms. Van brings a robust background in accounting and financial leadership across the restaurant and retail sectors. She most recently served as Senior Vice President of Accounting at Reformation, a prominent sustainable women’s clothing and accessory company. Before that, she was Vice President and Controller at Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG), a fast-casual restaurant chain, from 2021 to 2025, and Senior Director of Treasury and SEC Reporting at El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO) from 2016 to 2021. Her experience also includes roles at James Hardie Industries plc (ASX: JHX) and Cotality (formerly CoreLogic, NYSE: CLGX). Notably, Ms. Van is a certified public accountant and began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.

Her appointment will see the current Chief Financial Officer and Principal Financial Officer, J. Todd Wilson, step down from his role as Principal Accounting Officer, while retaining his CFO and Principal Financial Officer responsibilities. This transition marks a further separation of duties at the executive level, which investors may view as an enhancement to corporate governance and financial oversight.

Compensation and Incentive Structure

• Base Salary: Ms. Van will receive an annual base salary of \$340,000, paid bi-weekly.
• Annual Bonus: She will be eligible for an annual bonus with a target of not less than 55% of her base salary. The actual payout may range from 75% to 125% of this target, depending on individual impact and performance. The 2026 bonus will be paid by mid-March 2027, contingent upon continued employment through the payment date.
• Signing Bonus: A \$50,000 signing bonus will be paid in two tranches: \$25,000 after 30 days of employment and \$25,000 after one year of service.
• Initial Equity Grant: Ms. Van will receive an initial equity award valued at \$300,000, split equally between restricted stock units (RSUs) and non-qualified stock options. Vesting will occur in three annual installments, beginning July 15, 2027.
• Annual Equity Grants: She will also be eligible for annual long-term equity incentive awards, with a 2027 target value of \$180,000, typically a mix of performance share units (PSUs) and RSUs. The 2026 annual grant was structured as 60% PSUs (tied to total shareholder return metrics over three years) and 40% RSUs, with three-year vesting for RSUs and performance-based vesting for PSUs.
• Other Benefits: Ms. Van will receive standard company benefits, including a business credit card, a mobile phone, a laptop, and a dining card for company food purchases (excluding alcohol and gratuity). She will also be reimbursed for business expenses in accordance with company policy.
• Severance Terms: The offer letter details severance pay and conditions, including “Good Reason” and “Cause” definitions, trade secrets/confidentiality, and arbitration agreements. Severance is not payable in the event of voluntary resignation absent good reason.

Shareholder-Relevant and Price-Sensitive Information

• Leadership Change: The hiring of an experienced accounting executive with a strong track record in both the restaurant and retail sectors may be viewed positively by investors, as it signals a commitment to strong financial controls, compliance, and governance.
• Governance and Oversight: The separation of the Principal Accounting Officer role from that of the CFO may enhance financial reporting quality and internal controls, potentially reducing risk and increasing investor confidence.
• Compensation and Incentives: The substantial compensation package, including equity incentives, aligns Ms. Van’s interests with those of shareholders and reflects the company’s intention to attract and retain top talent. The performance-based nature of annual and long-term incentives further incentivizes value creation.
• Cost Implications: The new hire, signing bonus, and equity grants represent additional executive compensation costs, but may be justified by improved oversight and financial performance over time.

Other Noteworthy Elements

• Ms. Van’s offer letter includes standard confidentiality and arbitration agreements, aligning with best practices for senior executive employment contracts.
• The offer letter, dated April 7, 2026, was signed by both Ms. Van and Chief People Officer Jen Jaffe.
• The company’s main offices remain in Huntington Beach, California.

Conclusion:

This leadership change is significant for BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. The addition of Ashley Van as Principal Accounting Officer may have a material impact on financial reporting processes, risk management, and corporate governance. Investors should monitor upcoming quarterly filings for further details on onboarding costs, transition impacts, and early indications of changes in financial reporting quality or internal controls.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should perform their own due diligence and consult their financial advisor before making investment decisions. The information contained herein is based on publicly available filings and may be subject to change.

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