Cheryl Merchant will be the new president of the Taco Family of Companies on Jan. 1, the company's CEO and owner John Hazen White, Jr. announced.

Merchant has spent the last 19 years as the president and CEO of Hope Global Industries, based in Cumberland, R.I.

“Cheryl’s addition to our senior leadership team will ensure Taco’s continued success as a high-performing, customer focused company,” White told his Cranston-based workforce. “Cheryl’s track record at Hope Global speaks for itself and we are fortunate to have her join the Taco family.”

Luca Bolcati, currently vice president of Taco International, will be named president of Taco International, also effective Jan.1.