“Andy (Puzder) brings much-needed business experience to the Department of Labor,” says Sweeney.

President-elect Donald Trump named CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. CEO Andy Puzder as his choice for Secretary of Labor.

Puzder has served as CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. and other well-known restaurant brands, since 2000.

Below is a statement from National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney on Puzder’s nomination:

“We are excited about President-elect Trump’s announcement that Andy Puzder will serve as our nation’s next Secretary of Labor. As an active member of the National Restaurant Association, Andy brings much-needed business experience to the Department of Labor. He has a proven track record of turning around businesses, and his background in the restaurant industry will help foster an environment for job creation.”

He added, “The restaurant industry is the second largest private sector employer in the country, employing more than 14 million people and producing more than $780 billion in sales annually. It is encouraging someone who has worked in the industry and understands its vast benefits to the American economy as well as the challenges it currently faces will serve in one of the highest posts in the Administration.”