Alumnus Tom Ryan ’75 was recently featured in Fortune for his success creating the McDonald’s Dollar Menu and Pizza Hut’s stuffed-crust, co-founding Smashburger and Tom’s Watch Bar, and more! We are proud to continue to see our #ForeverFalcons flying high! Read more about all of his accomplishments and his journey, and check out a quick profile of Tom below!

Name: Tom Ryan

Current Title(s): CEO, Smashburger; Global Taste Advisor, Jollibee Food Corporation

Past Experience:

• Co-Founder, Tom’s Watch Bar
• Co-Founder, Smashburger
• Chief Branding Officer, Quiznos
• Worldwide Chief Concept Officer, McDonald’s
• US Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s
• Executive Vice President of Business Development, Long John Silver’s
• Senior Vice President of Business Development, Pizza Hut
• Senior Scientist, Pillsbury Food Corporation
• Technical Brand Manager, Procter & Gamble

Education:

• PhD, Flavor and Fragrance Chemistry – Michigan State University ’84
• MS, Lipid Toxicology – Michigan State University ’81
• BS, Food Chemistry – Michigan State University ’79
• West Catholic High School ’75

Fast-Food Innovations:

• McDonald’s
  • Dollar Menu
  • McGriddle
  • McFlurry
  • Parfait
• Pizza Hut
  • Stuffed-Crust Pizza
  • Meat Lover’s Pizza
  • Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza
  • Breadsticks
  • Chicken Wings
  • Sicilian Pizza
• Quiznos
  • Steakhouse Beef Dip
  • Prime Rib Sub