News Briefs

DEL TACO: President and Chief Operating Officer Shirlene Lopez will leave her post after a 30-year career with the company. Her last day will be Nov. 17. Lopez will continue to serve the business in a consulting capacity, primarily working with senior management on menu development and government relations. Nick Shepherd, chairman and CEO of Sagittarius Brands, Del Taco’s parent company, will assume Lopez’s duties with no immediate plans to fill the vacant role of president.

MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.: has promoted Simon Philips to president of Worldwide Consumer Products. Philips, who was previously president of Marvel International, will remain as Marvel’s head of worldwide animation. In his new role, Philips will oversee Marvel’s global consumer products expansion. In addition, he will be responsible for developing Marvel’s direct to retail relationships and forging closer ties with retail partners, expanding Marvel’s video game and wireless licensing businesses, and working with Marvel’s new themed entertainment park partners while searching for opportunities for the company. Philips joined Marvel in 2006 as president of Marvel International, where he oversaw the company’s international consumer products division.