Leadership Team | Meet the Franchise Team

Deborah Derby

Chief Executive Officer

Deborah is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in operational, supply chain, strategic, and general management roles across both large public and smaller private companies, complemented by deep expertise in human resources and legal.

Deborah is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in operational, supply chain, strategic, and general management roles across both large public and smaller private companies, complemented by deep expertise in human resources and legal. Most recently, Deborah served as an Operating Partner with Garnett Station Partners and, prior to that, as CEO & President of Carrols Restaurant Group, until its acquisition in 2024. Previously, she held leadership positions at Horizon Group USA and Toys “R” Us. Deborah currently serves on the board of Henry Schein, Inc., a global public medical & dental services company, as well as on the boards of two private companies, Skybound Service Partners & Accident Care Alliance. She previously held board roles at Vitamin Shoppe, with earlier career experience at Goldman Sachs, Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone, and Whirlpool Corporation. Deborah holds degrees from Harvard University and University of Notre Dame, is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, and was recognized as one of 2019’s Most Influential Corporate Directors by WomenInc. Magazine.

Kevin Koons

Chief Operating Officer

Kevin brings a wealth of experience to HoneyBaked. His background includes leadership roles in company-owned, franchised and international locations at Papa Johns, Wingstop, and Dominos where he was responsible for not only accelerating growth and strong business results but also coaching and developing the teams he led. Kevin earned a BA in Human Resource Management from Michigan State University. While living in Australia, he completed an International Business studies program at Macquarie University. He’s conversational in German and has lived in five countries on five different continents.

Jerry DeFeo

VP of Franchise Operations

Jerry is a distinguished franchise executive with an impressive 25-year tenure in the franchising industry. His career is marked by a deep understanding and passion for franchisee business development and profitability, where he has significantly contributed to the success and expansion of numerous franchise systems. Educated with a degree in International Business from Texas Tech University, Jerry ascended the ranks in the restaurant and franchise sector. His journey began with managing and opening Texas Embassy Cantina in London, England, and he honed his operational and franchising skills with roles of Franchise Business Director and VP of Franchise Operations for great brands of Pizza Inn, Papa Murphy's, Mr. Gatti's and Procter & Gamble's Tide Cleaners and Tide Laundromats.

The Leadership Team

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