Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. announced that President and Chief Brand Officer John D. Cappasola, Jr. has been named as Chief Executive Officer, to succeed Paul J.B. Murphy, III. Mr. Cappasola will also replace Mr. Murphy on the company's Board of Directors. Mr. Murphy will remain with the company into July to ensure a seamless and orderly transition of leadership and responsibilities.

As part of the planned succession, Mr. Murphy has notified the company that he plans to relocate permanently to Denver, CO and will resign on July 7, 2017, at which time Mr. Cappasola will fully assume his new position as Chief Executive Officer and director. Mr. Cappasola joined Del Taco in a senior leadership role in 2008. He has been Del Taco's President since January 2017 and Chief Brand Officer since February 2011.

He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, leading Del Taco's efforts in brand strategy, operations, marketing, menu development, and culinary innovation.