Thompson Hospitality, a foodservice provider and hospitality company, has appointed Joe Lawler as its new chief financial officer. Lawler succeeds Ali Azima, who has served as CFO since the company’s founding and will transition to a new role before retiring in 2026.
Lawler joined Thompson in 2020 as senior vice president of strategy & finance and has been instrumental in the company’s significant growth, overseeing multiple acquisitions as Thompson’s portfolio has more than tripled in size. He previously held financial roles at Deloitte and PCA Partners.
“Joe has fully embraced Thompson Hospitality’s culture, gained an in-depth understanding of our business, and fostered strong relationships with clients and team members,” said Warren Thompson, president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality. “His extensive financial expertise and exceptional leadership make him the perfect choice to lead us into our next phase of growth. I am confident that, with Joe at the helm, we will continue to expand our reach and enhance the guest experience.”
Thompson Hospitality was founded in 1992, has more than 70 locations across 14 brands, and is one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the United States. Last year, the Reston, Va.-based company launched the Thompson Restaurants division, and it plans to introduce a loyalty and gift card program this year.
