Andrew Franklin Puzder (born July 11, 1950) is an American business executive best known for leading CKE Restaurants, the parent company of fast‑food chains such as Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. Trained as an attorney, Puzder has combined legal and commercial experience over several decades and became a visible voice on labor and regulatory policy.
Early life and education
Puzder earned a Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis in 1978 and served as a senior editor on the school's Law Review. Before moving into full‑time corporate leadership, he practiced law and worked in business roles that bridged legal counsel and management.
Business career
Since September 2000 Puzder has served as president and chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants, guiding the company through franchising, marketing, and operational changes. Under his leadership the company focused on national branding, menu development, and expansion of franchised operations. His professional roles include:
- CEO and president of CKE Restaurants
- Executive roles combining legal, marketing, and operational responsibilities
- Public commentary and writing on business practice and labor markets
Policy positions and public profile
Puzder has been an outspoken critic of what he views as burdensome regulation on employers and has argued for policies he says encourage job creation, greater flexibility in hiring, and adoption of technology in service industries. He has published opinion pieces and spoken publicly about labor and regulatory issues from a business perspective.
Nomination for Secretary of Labor
On December 8, 2016, President‑elect Donald Trump named Puzder as his nominee for United States Secretary of Labor. The announcement was reported publicly and discussed in national debates over labor policy; see the announcement and the formal nomination. Puzder withdrew his candidacy on February 15, 2017, ending the confirmation process.
Legacy and notable facts
Puzder's tenure at CKE and his brief role on the national stage reflect the intersection of corporate leadership and public policy. He is often cited in discussions about franchising, service‑industry employment, automation, and the regulatory environment for employers. During and after his nomination, his record and views prompted both support and criticism from different stakeholders, a common dynamic for business leaders entering public service debates.
For further details on his career and public statements, readers can consult business profiles and contemporary news coverage from the period of his nomination and corporate tenure.