The Leadership Team

Our team of HoneyBaked franchise experts are here for you

Our leadership team is here to support your development and growth as a Honey Baked Ham Co.® franchisee. With extensive expertise across various brands and franchise operations, our team is well-equipped to guide you along your franchise ownership journey. In fact, some of our leaders even started out as part-time in-store HoneyBaked employees and have grown up with our brand.

Deborah Derby

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.

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Kevin Koons

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.

William Reno

William D. Reno

Vice President of Franchise Operations and Development

William Reno serves as Vice President of Franchise Operations and Development, bringing a deep well of franchising experience and a history of driving meaningful growth. William plays a key role in strengthening franchisee relationships, guiding successful new store openings, and partnering with operators on remodel initiatives that support the modernization of the brand and elevate the customer experience.

William Reno serves as Vice President of Franchise Operations and Development, bringing a deep well of franchising experience and a history of driving meaningful growth. William plays a key role in strengthening franchisee relationships, guiding successful new store openings, and partnering with operators on remodel initiatives that support the modernization of the brand and elevate the customer experience. His focus and teams reflects a commitment to building strong, scalable franchise systems that position HoneyBaked for long‑term success across both retail and B2B channels.

William’s background spans some of the most recognized names in franchising. At Subway, he led development efforts across a wide range of regulatory and cultural environments, supporting franchisees in markets around the world. His career began at Burger King, where he worked his way from team member to franchisee, ultimately operating 17 restaurants throughout Kentucky. That hands‑on ownership experience gives him a grounded understanding of the realities franchisees face investing capital, managing risk, and making decisions that shape the future of their businesses.

He later served as President of Global Franchising at BNI, collaborating with franchise owners across EMEA, LATAM, and APAC. His growth‑focused approach, strong sales background, and B2B expertise continue to inform his work at HoneyBaked as the brand expands its footprint of both traditional and seasonal locations.

William is passionate about building trust and fostering strong relationships with franchisees. His ongoing engagement with the Franchise Advisory Council reflects his belief in transparency, partnership, and ensuring that franchise owners feel supported and confident in the direction of the brand. His dedication to honoring that trust is central to his leadership and to HoneyBaked’s continued growth.

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