Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian steakhouse chain with a global footprint of 122 restaurants, has announced a significant leadership change in its financial department. Daniel Duran is set to assume the role of Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Tony Laday, who will be retiring after more than a decade of service. This transition, effective July 20, 2026, marks a new chapter for the company as it continues its expansion endeavors. Duran's promotion reflects the company's commitment to internal talent development and strategic financial management.
This strategic appointment underscores Fogo de Chão's dedication to maintaining a robust financial framework while fostering growth. Daniel Duran's extensive experience and proven track record in financial planning and analysis are expected to play a crucial role in steering the company's future financial strategies, including investor relations and business analytics. The company's CEO, Barry McGowan, expressed strong confidence in Duran's ability to drive the organization's financial success and support its ambitious growth plans, both domestically and internationally, while upholding its core values.
Daniel Duran Ascends to Chief Financial Officer Role
Daniel Duran has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of Fogo de Chão, a move that takes effect on July 20, 2026. This promotion comes as Tony Laday, the current CFO, prepares for retirement after more than 12 years of dedicated service to the company. Duran's previous role as Senior Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis and Investor Relations has prepared him to take on this senior leadership position, demonstrating Fogo de Chão's commitment to recognizing and advancing talent from within its ranks. His immediate focus will be to build upon the strong financial foundations established by his predecessor and to support the company's ongoing growth trajectory.
As Chief Financial Officer, Daniel Duran will be tasked with overseeing Fogo de Chão's overall financial strategy, which includes comprehensive planning, accounting procedures, treasury operations, and tax matters. He will also lead investor relations and business analytics functions, ensuring that the company's financial decisions align with its long-term objectives. Duran's experience, which spans over 15 years in finance and strategy within the restaurant and retail sectors, including leadership positions at BJ's Restaurants and Hot Topic, will be instrumental in guiding Fogo de Chão's continued expansion and operational excellence. His leadership is anticipated to reinforce the company's financial health and support its strategic initiatives for global market penetration.
Strategic Financial Leadership for Global Expansion
Fogo de Chão's decision to promote Daniel Duran to CFO is a strategic move aimed at bolstering its financial leadership as the company eyes continued global expansion. Duran's rapid ascent within the company since joining in November 2025 is a testament to his expertise in strengthening financial planning capabilities and implementing data-driven decision-making processes. His leadership is seen as critical for navigating the complexities of an expanding international business, ensuring robust financial health, and capitalizing on new market opportunities.
Barry McGowan, CEO of Fogo de Chão, highlighted Duran's strategic acumen and collaborative approach, underscoring his vital role in shaping the company's growth strategy. With 122 restaurants already operating worldwide, Fogo de Chão plans to leverage Duran's financial expertise to manage its domestic and international growth effectively. His responsibilities will encompass guiding the company's financial operations, including the integration of advanced AI in finance, and ensuring that Fogo de Chão remains true to its distinctive brand identity while achieving its ambitious growth targets. The company expresses gratitude to Tony Laday for his significant contributions and looks forward to a seamless transition with Duran at the financial helm.
