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May 20 (Reuters) - Wendy's WEN.O on Wednesday named industry veteran Robert Wright as president and chief executive officer, effective May 21, taking over from interim head Kenneth Cook.

The company had named its CFO Cook as the interim chief after previous CEO Kirk Tanner took the top job at chocolate maker Hershey HSY.N last year.

Wright most recently served as the president and CEO of fast-casual restaurant chain Potbelly Corp and has previously held senior leadership roles at Wendy's as well as Charleys Philly Steaks and Domino's Pizza DPZ.O.

The CEO change comes days after a report that activist Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management was exploring investor backing for a potential bid to take the fast-food chain private.

Cook will continue in his role as CFO, Wendy's said.