Korean chicken fast-food chain Bonchon has named Suzie Tsai as US CEO as it looks to expand into new markets this year.

Tsai will succeed Bryan Shin, who will now be the company’s international CEO and group CFO.

“It is an honour for me to lead Bonchon at this pivotal moment in its history and with a brand I feel personally connected. Like Bonchon, I was born in South Korea and moved to America,” said Tsai.

“We look forward to breaking into new territories and exploring possibilities in the years to come.”

As the new CEO, Tsai will head Bonchon’s planned entry to new US sites including southern Florida; Little Rock, Arkansas; Tucson, Arizona; and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Last year, Bonchon hit record-breaking new store sales when it signed more than 40 locations. These include continued expansion in existing markets such as Chicago, Colorado Springs, Denver, Houston, Nashville, New York City, Raleigh, and Washington, D.C.

The company also noted record-breaking openings in Smyrna in Georgia and White Plains in New York.

In addition, Bonchon launched its first two ghost kitchens and first hotel location in the US, and is slated for an airport debut next year.

It is the company’s target to reach 500 locations in the US and 1000 locations worldwide in the next five years.

As part of the international expansion, Bonchon opened its first restaurant in France and signed up for future store openings in Spain and Taiwan.