Serving in roles as CEO, president, vice-president and senior executive for both national and international brands, Mrs. Niven specializes in designing and executing brand strategy and organizational design. In 2014, she led the rebranding of Biscuitville, which included the addition of FRESH SOUTHERN® to its name; remodeling, relocating or rebuilding 100% of its restaurants; and a re-energized commitment to sourcing locally. Currently over 90% of all orders include at least one local ingredient. In 2018, she was promoted to President to prepare the brand for growth and continue executing the brands 9-year plan. In 2021, Niven was promoted to President and CEO reporting to the Executive Chair and 2nd generation owner, Burney Jennings. Since joining in 2010, Mrs. Niven has enjoyed an executive leadership role in driving Biscuitville’s growth from $55mm to over $150mm.
Since her promotion to CEO, the brand has opened its new 75,000 square foot warehouse, opened its 70th restaurant, grown AUVs to nearly $2 million and is preparing to open three new markets in South Carolina.
Working with JP Morgan during its 2006 investment in Quiznos Corporation (Denver), Mrs. Niven served as vice-president of field marketing to develop the brands co-op marketing strategy and assist in the brand’s revival. In this role, the newly formed family of co-ops outpaced the remaining markets in both sales and traffic throughout its incorporation. She also served in the growth and development of new product innovation, catering and delivery, and the execution of the company’s repositioned pricing strategy.
Prior to Quiznos, Mrs. Niven served as Senior Director of Marketing for Arby’s Roast Beef Corporation (previously RTM franchise). Leading the West region marketing team, Mrs. Niven was responsible for building a team to execute corporate branding, public relations, media, marketing and communication –ultimately accountable for both corporate and franchisee sales performance. Directing over 500 restaurants and a $25mm marketing budget, in 2004 the region achieved its highest annual sales volume in the history of the company. Under her leadership, the region also assisted in the innovation of several long-standing products including MARKET FRESH® line extensions, breakfast and wraps.
Previously, she served with Burger King Corporation in sales and marketing for the Southeast region; with Krispy Kreme as manager of national field marketing preparing the company for franchising under the newly executed IPO; and with Bouvier Kelly as director of client services earning six Addy awards.
She has been married to husband, Drew, for 25 years, and they have two children - Ellie, 16 years old attending Page High School, and Will, 20 years old, attending West Point USMA. They enjoy traveling, sailing, camping, game night and all things fun and adventurous.