Casual dining burger chain Grill’d has appointed a chief executive. Braeden Lord, who has been CEO of fresh fruit and veggie home delivery service Aussie Farmers Direct for five years, will start his new role in September.

Lord, who has just joined the Aussie Farmers Direct board and will continue his position as a shareholder of Aussie Farmers Direct and as a board member of the Aussie Farmers Foundation. 

Lord also has five years experience with Bakers Delight.

The appointment has been a long time coming, according to BRW which reports Grill’d founder Simon Crowe has had Lord in his sights as CEO for six years.

Crowe continues in his position as managing director and will be freed up to focus his activity on international growth.

“I will never sell the farm,” Crowe told BRW , “but if there is a partner who can help us in the overseas marketplace, with a wealth of knowledge and experience…that is the next part of my journey.”

The mix of company-owned and franchised stores has always been a deliberate strategy at Grill’d. Now there are 27 franchise-owned outlets in the network of 69 restaurants with another six set to open before 2014.