Baylor alum named president of La Madeleine

Baylor graduate John Dillon (BBA ’93) has earned national attention as an innovator in the restaurant industry, and when La Madeleine was looking for a leader to drive growth and expansion, they called on the Baylor grad (who spent the last year serving Hankamer School of Business students in a meaningful way — more on that in a minute).

La Madeleine, a Dallas-based French café and bakery with 80+ locations nationwide (including one just down I-35 from Baylor’s campus), named Dillon president in January. The Baylor grad, who most recently served as founder and principal lead at HMS Growth Partners, previously spent over 16 years with Denny’s, first in marketing and then as the chain’s president. At Denny’s, he built a reputation for innovation, shaping the brand’s voice and elevating the diner chain’s perception through humorous social media posts and a re-brand as “America’s Diner.”

Those qualities were attractive to La Madeleine, who cited Dillon’s “proven ability to deliver results, foster innovation, connect with team members … and passion for the industry and our brand” in heralding his new role with the company. Dillon, in turn, cited La Madeleine’s “unique ‘joie de vivre’ experience” and the chance to “make some more noise, share our story boldly, and deliver exceptional results for guests” as drawing him to the opportunity.

In addition to Denny’s, Dillon has also served in leadership roles at Pizza Hut and with the Houston Rockets. His path to leadership took shape at Baylor, where the Hankamer School of Business graduate served with the Baylor Chamber of Commerce. His Baylor experience came full circle last year when he served as “executive in residence” at Hankamer — one of two executive leaders who provided one-on-one mentorship, lectures and more to give back to students as they pursue roles someday like the role he holds now.

Sic ’em, John Dillon!