Article featured in University of Guelph News.

Roland Walton, president of Tim Hortons Canada, has been named the executive-in-residence in the University of Guelph’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) for the winter semester.

Walton will share his three decades of food service experience with students Feb. 26 to 28 during classes and special events.

HTM’s executive-in-residence program has brought industry leaders and prominent corporate executives to enhance student learning and careers for more than 10 years.

The school will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2014.

“Students, faculty and staff have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Tim Hortons and its local franchisees for more than 25 years,” said Kerry Godfrey, HTM director.

Students have contributed to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, and Tim Hortons has been featured in several case studies in the school’s management development programs, he said. As well, Tim Hortons executives have served on HTM’s policy advisory board for many years.

A 1978 HTM graduate, Walton joined Tim Hortons in 1997 as executive vice-president of operations for Canada and the United States. In 2008, he was appointed chief operations officer for Canada; in 2012, he was named President of Tim Hortons Canada, responsible for overseeing all aspects of Canada’s top Quick Serve Restaurant.

He has also worked for Wendy’s Restaurants Canada, Pizza Hut® Canada and Pizza Hut USA. Before joining Tim Hortons, Walton was division vice-president for Pizza Hut USA’s central division.